Antibody protects developing fetus from Zika virus, mouse study shows

The most devastating consequence of Zika virus infection is the development of microcephaly, or an abnormally small head, in fetuses infected in utero. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have identified a human antibody that prevents — in pregnant mice — the fetus from becoming infected with Zika and damage to the placenta. The antibody also protects adult mice from Zika disease.