Gemini
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Zika virus outbreaks may be triggering the surge in cases of the autoimmune disease, Guillain-Barre in Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, El Salvadore & elsewhere reports today's front page New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/22/w...to-surge-in-rare-syndrome-in-brazil.html?_r=1
Article may be behind paywall, here are excerpts:
"Guillain-Barre typically occurs a few days or weeks after someone has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the United States."
"Patients with Guillain-Barre are often treated by removing blood from the body, separating it, returning the red and white blood cells, and discarding the plasma. Scientists are not sure why it helps Guillain-Barre patients, but they think it may be because it removes antibodies made by the patient that are attacking the patients nerves in an autoimmune reaction."
"The CDC is viewing Guillain-Barre as a serious risk. It is helping Brazil conduct a study this month to evaluate if any link exists between the condition and the Zika virus."
Another instance of infection triggering autoimmune disease? Maybe genetic & molecular tools can be put to good use here.
Article may be behind paywall, here are excerpts:
"Guillain-Barre typically occurs a few days or weeks after someone has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the United States."
"Patients with Guillain-Barre are often treated by removing blood from the body, separating it, returning the red and white blood cells, and discarding the plasma. Scientists are not sure why it helps Guillain-Barre patients, but they think it may be because it removes antibodies made by the patient that are attacking the patients nerves in an autoimmune reaction."
"The CDC is viewing Guillain-Barre as a serious risk. It is helping Brazil conduct a study this month to evaluate if any link exists between the condition and the Zika virus."
Another instance of infection triggering autoimmune disease? Maybe genetic & molecular tools can be put to good use here.
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