Zika Virus Infection Update: How Closely Related Is Arthrogryposis To Zika Virus Infection?

Zika virus is reportedly linked to a birth defect that involve muscle weakness and stiffness of joint. The birth defect, arthrogryposis, was found in a small number of babies infected with Zika virus inside their mothers' wombs according to a study. Researchers suggest that all babies affected by Zika virus infection inside the womb should be followed and evaluated for bone and muscle problems.

Researchers analyzed the information from seven babies born in Brazil who had arthrogryposis. Six out of the seven babies had microcephaly reportedly. All of them had signs of being infected with Zika virus while they were in the womb while two of them were tested positive for the virus in their cerebrospinal fluid.

Movement is important for the normal development of joints and muscles among babies inside the womb. The lack of movement in the womb could lead to arthrogryposis, Nationwide Children's Hospital reported. Researchers believe that Zika virus could have caused neurological problems that affected the ability of the fetuses to move around the womb.

Upon examining the joints of babies under detailed imaging scans, the researchers did not find abnormalities in their joints. Because of this, researchers hypothesized that the babies' arthrogryposis were likely from a neurological basis. This means that the babies had problems in the brain and nerve cells that control the contraction and relaxation of muscles around the joints.

It is important to note, however, that the study only found an association between Zika virus infection and arthrogryposis. Larger studies about the link between arthrogryposis and Zika virus infection need to be conducted to better understand the neurological problems that may underlie the condition according to researchers.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy has already been linked to birth defect microcephaly, Live Science reported. It has also been found to cause eye problems, hearing loss and impaired growth according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The list of health complications associated with the virus is now referred to as Congenital Zika Syndrome.