scholarly journals Persistent detection of Zika virus RNA in semen for six months after symptom onset in a traveller returning from Haiti to Italy, February 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Nicastri ◽  
Concetta Castilletti ◽  
Giuseppina Liuzzi ◽  
Marco Iannetta ◽  
Maria R Capobianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Erythematous Rash ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
History Of ◽  
Vector Borne

A man in his early 30s reported in January 2016 a history of fever, asthenia and erythematous rash during a stay in Haiti. On his return to Italy, ZIKV RNA was detected in his urine and saliva 91 days after symptom onset, and in his semen on day 188, six months after symptom onset. Our findings support the possibility of sexual transmission of ZIKV and highlight the importance of continuing to investigate non-vector-borne ZIKV infection.

scholarly journals Infection dynamics in a traveller with persistent shedding of Zika virus RNA in semen for six months after returning from Haiti to Italy, January 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Barzon ◽  
Monia Pacenti ◽  
Elisa Franchin ◽  
Enrico Lavezzo ◽  
Marta Trevisan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
Virus Rna

We describe the dynamics of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a man in his early 40s who developed fever and rash after returning from Haiti to Italy, in January 2016. Follow-up laboratory testing demonstrated detectable ZIKV RNA in plasma up to day 9 after symptom onset and in urine and saliva up to days 15 and 47, respectively. Notably, persistent shedding of ZIKV RNA was demonstrated in semen, still detectable at 181 days after onset.

scholarly journals From Mosquito Bites to Sexual Transmission: Evaluating Mouse Models of Zika Virus Infection

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2244
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Balint ◽  
Amelia Montemarano ◽  
Emily Feng ◽  
Ali A. Ashkar
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Male To Female

Following the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Latin America, ZIKV has emerged as a global health threat due to its ability to induce neurological disease in both adults and the developing fetus. ZIKV is largely mosquito-borne and is now endemic in many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. However, several reports have demonstrated persistent ZIKV infection of the male reproductive tract and evidence of male-to-female sexual transmission of ZIKV. Sexual transmission may broaden the reach of ZIKV infections beyond its current geographical limits, presenting a significant threat worldwide. Several mouse models of ZIKV infection have been developed to investigate ZIKV pathogenesis and develop effective vaccines and therapeutics. However, the majority of these models focus on mosquito-borne infection, while few have considered the impact of sexual transmission on immunity and pathogenesis. This review will examine the advantages and disadvantages of current models of mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted ZIKV and provide recommendations for the effective use of ZIKV mouse models.

scholarly journals Animal Models of Zika Virus Infection, Pathogenesis, and Immunity

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Morrison ◽  
Michael S. Diamond
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Rapid Testing ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that now causes epidemics affecting millions of people on multiple continents. The virus has received global attention because of some of its unusual epidemiological and clinical features, including persistent infection in the male reproductive tract and sexual transmission, an ability to cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the developing fetus to cause congenital malformations, and its association with Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. This past year has witnessed an intensive effort by the global scientific community to understand the biology of ZIKV and to develop pathogenesis models for the rapid testing of possible countermeasures. Here, we review the recent advances in and utility and limitations of newly developed mouse and nonhuman primate models of ZIKV infection and pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Asian lineage of Zika virus RNA pseudoknot may induce ribosomal frameshift and produce a new neuroinvasive protein ZIKV-NS1’

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Tambonis ◽  
Vinícius G. Contessoto ◽  
Cíntia Bittar ◽  
Marília F. Calmon ◽  
Maurício L. Nogueira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Ns1 Protein ◽  
Ribosomal Frameshift ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Potential Target ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Alternative Protein ◽  
Asian Lineage ◽  
Rna Pseudoknot

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a threat to humanity, and understanding its neuroinvasiveness is a major challenge. Microcephaly observed in neonates in Brazil is associated with ZIKV that belongs to the Asian lineage. What distinguishes the neuroinvasiveness between the RNA lineages from Asia and Africa is still unknown. Here we identify an aspect that may explain the different behavior between the two lineages. The distinction between the two groups is the occurrence of an alternative protein NS1’ (ZIKV-NS1’), which happens through a pseudoknot in the virus RNA that induces a ribosomal frameshift. Presence of NS1’ protein is also observed in other Flavivirus that are neuroinvasive, and when NS1’ production issuppressed, neuroinvasiveness is reduced.1 This evidence gives grounds to suggest that the ZIKV-NS1’ occurring in the Asian lineage is responsible for neuro-tropism, which causes the neuro-pathologies associated with ZIKV infection, of which microcephaly is the most dev astating. The existence of ZIKV-NS1’, which only exists in the Asian lineage, was inferred through bioinformatic methods, and it has yet to be experimentally observed. If its occurrence is confirmed, it will be a potential target in fighting the neuro-diseases associated with ZIKV.

scholarly journals MATERNAL ZIKA VIRUS (ZIKV) INFECTION FOLLOWING VAGINAL INOCULATION WITH ZIKV-INFECTED SEMEN IN THE TIMED-PREGNANT OLIVE BABOON

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunam Gurung ◽  
Hugh Nadeau ◽  
Marta Maxted ◽  
Jamie Peregrine ◽  
Darlene Reuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Subcutaneous Route ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Vertical Transfer ◽  
Olive Baboon ◽  
Human Primate ◽  
In Pregnancy

ABSTRACTZIKV infection is associated with pregnancy loss, fetal microcephaly and other malformations. While Aedes sp. of mosquito are the primary vector for ZIKV, sexual transmission of ZIKV is a significant route of infection. ZIKV has been documented in human, mouse and non-human primate (NHP) semen. It is critical to establish NHP models of vertical transfer of ZIKV that recapitulate human ZIKV pathogenesis. We hypothesized that vaginal deposition of ZIKV infected baboon semen would lead to maternal infection and vertical transfer in the olive baboon (Papio anubis). Timed pregnant baboons (n=6) were inoculated via vaginal deposition of baboon semen containing 106 ffu ZIKV (n=3, French Polynesian isolate:H/PF/2013, n=3 Puerto Rican isolate:PRVABC59) at mid-gestation (86-95 days gestation [dG]; term 183dG) on day (d) 0 (all dams), and then at 7 day intervals through three weeks. Maternal blood, saliva and cervico-vaginal washes were obtained at select days post-inoculation. Animals were euthanized at 28 days post initial inoculation (dpi; n=5) or 39 dpi (n=1) and maternal/fetal tissues collected. vRNA was quantified by qPCR. Viremia was achieved in 3/3 FP ZIKV infected dams and 2/3 PR ZIKV. ZIKV RNA was detected in cvw (5/6 dams;). ZIKV RNA was detected in lymph nodes, but not ovary, uterus, cervix or vagina in the FP ZIKV dams but was detected in uterus, vagina and lymph nodes. Placenta, amniotic fluid and all fetal tissues were ZIKV RNA negative in the FP infected dams whereas 2/3 PR infected dam placentas were ZIKV RNA positive. We conclude that ZIKV infected semen is a means of ZIKV transmission during pregnancy in primates. The PR isolate appeared more capable of wide spread dissemination to tissues, including placenta compared to the FP strain.IMPORTANCEDue to its established link to pregnancy loss, microcephaly and other major congenital anomalies, Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a worldwide health threat. Although mosquitoes are the primary means of ZIVK transmission, sexual transmission in human populations is well documented and provides a means for widespread dissemination of the virus. Differences in viremia, tissue distribution, immune responses and pregnancy outcome from sexually transmitted ZIKV compared to the subcutaneous route of infection are needed to better clinically manage ZIKV in pregnancy. Through our previous work, we have developed the olive baboon as a non-human primate model of ZIKV infection that is permissible to ZIKV infection via the subcutaneous route of inoculation and transfer of ZIKV to the fetus in pregnancy. The current study evaluated the course of ZIKV infection after vaginal inoculation of ZIKV in pregnant baboons at mid-gestation using baboon semen as the carrier and comparing two isolates of ZIKV, the French Polynesian isolate first associated with microcephaly and the Puerto Rican isolate, associated with an increased risk of microcephaly observed in the Americas.

scholarly journals Experimental Infection of Mid-Gestation Pregnant Female and Intact Male Sheep with Zika Virus

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Erika R. Schwarz ◽  
Lilian J. Oliveira ◽  
Francesco Bonfante ◽  
Ruiyu Pu ◽  
Malgorzata A. Pozor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Post Infection ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
Male Sheep

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus that causes birth defects, persistent male infection, and sexual transmission in humans. The purpose of this study was to continue the development of an ovine ZIKV infection model; thus, two experiments were undertaken. In the first experiment, we built on previous pregnant sheep experiments by developing a mid-gestation model of ZIKV infection. Four pregnant sheep were challenged with ZIKV at 57–64 days gestation; two animals served as controls. After 13–15 days (corresponding with 70–79 days of gestation), one control and two infected animals were euthanized; the remaining animals were euthanized at 20–22 days post-infection (corresponding with 77–86 days of gestation). In the second experiment, six sexually mature, intact, male sheep were challenged with ZIKV and two animals served as controls. Infected animals were serially euthanized on days 2–6 and day 9 post-infection with the goal of isolating ZIKV from the male reproductive tract. In the mid-gestation study, virus was detected in maternal placenta and spleen, and in fetal organs, including the brains, spleens/liver, and umbilicus of infected fetuses. Fetuses from infected animals had visibly misshapen heads and morphometrics revealed significantly smaller head sizes in infected fetuses when compared to controls. Placental pathology was evident in infected dams. In the male experiment, ZIKV was detected in the spleen, liver, testes/epididymides, and accessory sex glands of infected animals. Results from both experiments indicate that mid-gestation ewes can be infected with ZIKV with subsequent disruption of fetal development and that intact male sheep are susceptible to ZIKV infection and viral dissemination and replication occurs in highly vascular tissues (including those of the male reproductive tract).

scholarly journals Maternal Zika Virus (ZIKV) Infection following Vaginal Inoculation with ZIKV-Infected Semen in Timed-Pregnant Olive Baboons

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunam Gurung ◽  
Hugh Nadeau ◽  
Marta Maxted ◽  
Jamie Peregrine ◽  
Darlene Reuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
The Body ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Vertical Transfer ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Fetal Tissues ◽  
Primary Vector

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is now firmly linked to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), including fetal microcephaly. While Aedes species of mosquito are the primary vector for ZIKV, sexual transmission of ZIKV is a significant route of infection. ZIKV has been documented in human, mouse, and nonhuman primate (NHP) semen. It is critical to establish NHP models of the vertical transfer of ZIKV that recapitulate human pathogenesis. We hypothesized that vaginal deposition of ZIKV-infected baboon semen would lead to maternal infection and vertical transfer in the olive baboon (Papio anubis). Epidemiological studies suggest an increased rate of CZS in the Americas compared to the original link to CZS in French Polynesia; therefore, we also compared the French Polynesian (FP) ZIKV isolate to the Puerto Rican (PR) isolate. Timed-pregnant baboons (n = 6) were inoculated via vaginal deposition of baboon semen containing 106 focus-forming units (FFU) of ZIKV (n = 3 for FP isolate H/PF/2013; n = 3 for PR isolate PRVABC59) at midgestation (86 to 95 days of gestation [dG]; term, 183 dG) on day 0 (all dams) and then at 7-day intervals through 3 weeks. Maternal blood, saliva, and cervicovaginal wash (CVW) samples were obtained. Animals were euthanized at 28 days (n = 5) or 39 days (n = 1) after the initial inoculation, and maternal/fetal tissues were collected. Viremia was achieved in 3/3 FP ZIKV-infected dams and 2/3 PR ZIKV-infected dams. ZIKV RNA was detected in CVW samples of 5/6 dams. ZIKV RNA was detected in lymph nodes but not the ovaries, uterus, cervix, or vagina in FP isolate-infected dams. ZIKV RNA was detected in lymph nodes (3/3), uterus (2/3), and vagina (2/3) in PR isolate-infected dams. Placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetal tissues were ZIKV RNA negative in the FP isolate-infected dams, whereas 2/3 PR isolate-infected dam placentas were ZIKV RNA positive. We conclude that ZIKV-infected semen is a means of ZIKV transmission during pregnancy in primates. The PR isolate appeared more capable of widespread dissemination to tissues, including reproductive tissues and placenta, than the FP isolate. IMPORTANCE Zika virus remains a worldwide health threat, with outbreaks still occurring in the Americas. While mosquitos are the primary vector for the spread of the virus, sexual transmission of Zika virus is also a significant means of infection, especially in terms of passage from an infected to an uninfected partner. While sexual transmission has been documented in humans, and male-to-female transmission has been reported in mice, ours is the first study in nonhuman primates to demonstrate infection via vaginal deposition of Zika virus-infected semen. The latter is important since a recent publication indicated that human semen inhibited, in a laboratory setting, Zika virus infection of reproductive tissues. We also found that compared to the French Polynesian isolate, the Puerto Rican Zika virus isolate led to greater spread throughout the body, particularly in reproductive tissues. The American isolates of Zika virus appear to have acquired mutations that increase their efficacy.

scholarly journals Route of Infection Influences Zika Virus Shedding in a Guinea Pig Model

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley E. Saver ◽  
Stephanie A. Crawford ◽  
Jonathan D. Joyce ◽  
Andrea S. Bertke
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Virus Shedding ◽  
Route Of Infection

Due to the recent epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and resulting sequelae, as well as concerns about both the sexual and vertical transmission of the virus, renewed attention has been paid to the pathogenesis of this unique arbovirus. Numerous small animal models have been used in various ZIKV pathogenicity studies, however, they are often performed using immunodeficient or immunosuppressed animals, which may impact disease progression in a manner not relevant to immunocompetent humans. The use of immunocompetent animal models, such as macaques, is constrained by small sample sizes and the need for specialized equipment/staff. Here we report the establishment of ZIKV infection in an immunocompetent small animal model, the guinea pig, using both subcutaneous and vaginal routes of infection to mimic mosquito-borne and sexual transmission. Guinea pigs developed clinical signs consistent with mostly asymptomatic and mild disease observed in humans. We demonstrate that the route of infection does not significantly alter viral tissue tropism but does impact mucosal shedding mechanics. We also demonstrate persistent infection in sensory and autonomic ganglia, identifying a previously unrecognized niche of viral persistence that could contribute to viral shedding in secretions. We conclude that the guinea pig represents a useful and relevant model for ZIKV pathogenesis.

scholarly journals An Update on Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus

Pathogens ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hercules Sakkas ◽  
Petros Bozidis ◽  
Xenofon Giannakopoulos ◽  
Nikolaos Sofikitis ◽  
Chrissanthy Papadopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Limited Disease ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Blood Sucking

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the arthropod-borne flaviviruses (arboviruses) which are mainly transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. ZIKV infection has been known to be rather asymptomatic or presented as febrile self-limited disease; however, during the last decade the manifestation of ZIKV infection has been associated with a variety of neuroimmunological disorders including Guillain–Barré syndrome, microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities. More recently, there is accumulating evidence about sexual transmission of ZIKV, a trait that has never been observed in any other mosquito-borne flavivirus before. This article reviews the latest information regarding the latter and emerging role of ZIKV, focusing on the consequences of ZIKV infection on the male reproductive system and the epidemiology of human-to-human sexual transmission.

scholarly journals Three Immunocompetent Small Animal Models That Do Not Support Zika Virus Infection

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 971
Author(s):  
Megan R. Miller ◽  
Anna C. Fagre ◽  
Taylor C. Clarkson ◽  
Erin D. Markle ◽  
Brian D. Foy
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Mosquito Bite ◽  
Multimammate Mice

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. ZIKV causes disease in infected humans with added complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome and birth defects in infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy. There are several large immunocompetent animal models for ZIKV including non-human primates (NHPs). NHP models closely reflect human infection; however, due to sample size restrictions, investigations into the effects of transmission route and the impacts on disease dynamics have been understudied. Mice have been widely used for modeling ZIKV infection, yet there are few ZIKV-susceptible immunocompetent mouse models and none of these have been used to investigate sexual transmission. In an effort to identify a small immunocompetent animal model to characterize sexual transmission of ZIKV, we attempt experimental infection of multimammate mice, New Zealand white rabbits, and Hartley guinea pigs. The multimammate mouse is the natural reservoir of Lassa fever virus and has been identified to harbor other human pathogens. Likewise, while NZW rabbits are susceptible to West Nile virus, they have not yet been examined for their susceptibility to infection with ZIKV. Guinea pigs have been successfully used as models for ZIKV infection, but only in immunocompromised life stages (young or pregnant). Here, it was found that the multimammate mouse and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits are not susceptible ZIKV infection as determined by a lack viral RNA in tissues and fluids collected. Sexually mature male Hartley guinea pigs were inoculated subcutaneously and by mosquito bite, but found to be refractory to ZIKV infection, contrary to findings of other studies in young and pregnant guinea pigs. Interestingly, here it is shown that adult male guinea pigs are not susceptible to ZIKV infection, even when infected by natural route (e.g., mosquito bite). Although a new small animal model for the sexual transmission for ZIKV was not established through this study, these findings provide information on outbred animal species that are not permissive to infection (NZW rabbits and multimammate mice) and new information surrounding limitations of a previously established animal model (guinea pigs).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document