Is microcephaly caused by pesticides?

Is microcephaly caused by pesticides?

These inconsistencies and discrepancies provide ample reason for considering other causes and cofactors. A group of physicians in Argentina and Brazil have suggested that widespread use of the pesticide pyriproxifen13 to reduce mosquito populations because of a dengue epidemic in 2014 may be the cause of microcephaly.

What toxic chemicals cause microcephaly?

Causes of microcephaly exposure to toxic chemicals: maternal exposure to heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, alcohol, radiation, and smoking; pre- and perinatal injuries to the developing brain (hypoxia-ischemia, trauma); genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome; and. severe malnutrition during fetal life.

How does Zika virus cause microcephaly?

By preferentially destroying radial glial cells, Zika virus can produce severe microcephaly. Evolutionary changes such as mutations or recombination events might be responsible for the increased virulence and a new spectrum of Zika disease. Recombination events were reported to occur in different Zika viral strains.

What caused microcephaly in Brazil?

Due to Zika virus, more than 1,600 babies were born in Brazil with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads, from September 2015 through April 2016. The epidemic took health professionals by surprise because the virus had been known since 1947 and was not linked to birth defects.

What is the main cause of microcephaly?

KEY POINTS. Microcephaly may be caused by problems with brain development or being exposed to alcohol and certain drugs, chemicals and infections in the womb. Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly.

What causes a baby’s head to grow too fast?

Increased head size may be from any of the following: Benign familial macrocephaly (family tendency toward large head size) Canavan disease (condition that affects how the body breaks down and uses a protein called aspartic acid) Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling)

What causes microcephaly?

Microcephaly may be caused by problems with brain development or being exposed to alcohol and certain drugs, chemicals and infections in the womb. Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly. If you’re pregnant and think you may have Zika, call your health care provider.

Are Zika babies mentally challenged?

Babies born with microcephaly can have trouble moving their arms and legs and problems with feeding because of difficulties sucking and swallowing. A smaller head at birth is also associated with mental retardation.

Does chikungunya cause microcephaly?

Both viruses cause a fever, a rash and joint pain. “So chikungunya can easily be mistaken for Zika,” Dye says. But chikungunya doesn’t cause microcephaly.

How many babies born with microcephaly due to Zika?

Of the pregnant people infected with Zika virus, studies show that just 5%-14% give birth to children with signs of congenital Zika syndrome (which can cause developmental issues with their brains and vision), and a 4%-6% subset have children with microcephaly.

Can microcephaly be prevented?

While you’re pregnant, you can take steps to try to prevent acquired microcephaly: Eat a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins. Don’t drink alcohol or do drugs. Stay away from chemicals.

Does microcephaly run in families?

Microcephaly is either caused by exposure to harmful substances during the fetal development, or it may be associated with genetic problems or syndromes that may have a tendency to run in families.