London. In a study published in the journal “Scientific Reports” (Nature group), a team of researchers from the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan have identified a potential “gateway” for the transmission of the Zika virus to the fetus. This virus causes microcephaly and other neurological malformations of the fetus. The virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of certain types of mosquitos (present in Florida, Brazil and other areas of South America, but not in Italy). It can also be transmitted via infected blood or by sexual contact with an infected partner, reaching the tissues of female reproductive apparatus. Researchers at San Raffaele hospital have found that the cells of the endometrium are particularly susceptible to the virus. (9Colonne)
