Because Zika virus is related to the hepatitis C virus, a research team led by Johan Neyts, PhD, examined whether some inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus also affect the development of the Zika virus in human cells. The team used mice to test their hypothesis.
They found Zika-infected mice treated with a hepatitis C virus inhibitor demonstrated a significant delay in virus-induced symptoms.
“The experimental hepatitis C inhibitor is not very powerful yet,” conceded Dr. Neyts. “Nevertheless, our study opens up important new possibilities. We can now start testing the effectiveness of other promising virus inhibitors and vaccines against the Zika virus.”
More articles on Zika:
Half of local health departments worry about cuts to Zika response funding
Puerto Rico’s trash is piling up, making more room for the Zika mosquito
Children’s National Health System launches program to advise pregnant mothers with Zika virus
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