Study on Cache Valley Virus and Neural Tube Defects
Author Information
Author(s): J. F. Edwards, K. Hendricks
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
Cache Valley Virus (CVV) may be involved in the pathogenesis of human neural tube defects.
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that CVV is involved in the induction of human neural tube defects during nonepidemic periods.
Supporting Evidence
- All tested sera did not neutralize CVV.
- The average annual neural tube defect prevalence rate in Cameron County returned to approximately 14-15 cases per 10,000 births.
- CVV may still be involved in induction of other human malformations.
Takeaway
The researchers looked for a virus that might cause serious birth defects but found no link between that virus and the defects in babies.
Methodology
Sera from 74 women with neural tube defect-affected pregnancies were tested for CVV neutralizing antibody using a standard microtiter serum dilution neutralization test.
Limitations
The study did not test control sera from age- and location-matched women with normal births.
Participant Demographics
Women from Texas border counties who had neural tube defect-affected pregnancies.
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