The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced its research priorities on Friday for studies to investigate how Zika virus infection affects reproduction, pregnancy and the developing fetus.
The virus is currently present in approximately 30 countries and territories, notably in Latin America and the Caribbean. Zika virus has been linked to a spike in cases of microcephaly, which results in an abnormally small head resulting from an underdeveloped brain in newborn babies.
One main point the NIH would like to study is to establish what role, if any, the virus plays in reported microcephaly cases. More than 4,000 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Brazil since October, but there may be a slight possibility that the microcephaly could have another cause other than Zika virus.
Studies will also seek to determine if the virus is sexually transmitted and/or if the virus is present in reproductive fluids and whether it can cause infections via the reproductive tract. Evidence that this happens would provide guidance as to how to prevent the virus’ spread.
NIH also announced that it will aim to modify ongoing studies to incorporate Zika virus research. Current studies of pregnant women and infants could be modified to check tissue samples for the virus and to look for potential health effects in those who were exposed.