Sexual Transmission of Arboviruses: A Systematic Review

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are primarily maintained in nature in transmission cycles between hematophagous arthropods and vertebrate hosts, but an increasing number of arboviruses have been isolated from or indirectly detected in the urogenital tract and sexual secretions of their vertebrate hosts, indicating that further investigation on the possibility of sexual transmission of these viruses is warranted. The most widely recognized sexually-transmitted arbovirus is Zika virus but other arboviruses, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and dengue virus, might also be transmitted, albeit occasionally, by this route. This review summarizes our current understanding on the ability of arboviruses to be sexually transmitted. We discuss the sexual transmission of arboviruses between humans and between vertebrate animals, but not arthropod vectors. Every taxonomic group known to contain arboviruses (Asfarviridae, Bunyavirales, Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Togaviridae) is covered.

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Immunoglobulin-like Domain of HsFcμR as a Capture Molecule for Detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus- and Zika Virus-Specific IgM Antibodies

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1373/clinchem.2018.294819 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 65 (3) ◽

pp. 451-461 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anne Rackow ◽

Christa Ehmen ◽

Ronald von Possel ◽

Raquel Medialdea-Carrera ◽

David Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Specific Binding ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Size Exclusion ◽

Animal Origin ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever Virus ◽

Igm Antibodies

Abstract BACKGROUND The cellular surface molecule HsTOSO/FAIM3/HsFcμR has been identified as an IgM-specific Fc receptor expressed on lymphocytes. Here, we show that its extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain (HsFcμR-Igl) specifically binds to IgM/antigen immune complexes (ICs) and exploit this property for the development of novel detection systems for IgM antibodies directed against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). METHODS His-tagged HsFcμR-Igl was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography, oxidative refolding, and size-exclusion chromatography. Specific binding of HsFcμR-Igl to IgM/antigen ICs was confirmed, and 2 prototypic ELISAs for the detection of anti-CCHFV and anti-ZIKV IgM antibodies were developed. Thereby, patient sera and virus-specific recombinant antigens directly labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were coincubated on HsFcμR-Igl-coated ELISA plates. Bound ICs were quantified by measuring turnover of a chromogenic HRP substrate. RESULTS Assay validation was performed using paired serum samples from 15 Kosovar patients with a PCR-confirmed CCHFV infection and 28 Brazilian patients with a PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection, along with a panel of a priori CCHFV/ZIKV-IgM-negative serum samples. Both ELISAs were highly reproducible. Sensitivity and specificity were comparable with or even exceeded in-house gold standard testing and commercial kits. Furthermore, latex beads coated with HsFcμR-Igl aggregated upon coincubation with an IgM-positive serum and HRP-labeled antigen but not with either component alone, revealing a potential for use of HsFcμR-Igl as a capture molecule in aggregation-based rapid tests. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant HsFcμR-Igl is a versatile capture molecule for IgM/antigen ICs of human and animal origin and can be applied for the development of both plate- and bead-based serological tests.

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

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13112244 ◽

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.

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Sexual transmission of Zika virus and other flaviviruses: A living systematic review

PLoS Medicine ◽

10.1371/journal.pmed.1002611 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. e1002611 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Michel Jacques Counotte ◽

Caron Rahn Kim ◽

Jingying Wang ◽

Kyle Bernstein ◽

Carolyn D. Deal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Sexual Transmission

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Worldwide epidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in humans, ticks and other animal species, a systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. e0009299

Author(s):

Jean Thierry Ebogo Belobo ◽

Sebastien Kenmoe ◽

Cyprien Kengne-Nde ◽

Cynthia Paola Demeni Emoh ◽

Arnol Bowo-Ngandji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Income ◽

Animal Species ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

There are uncertainties about the global epidemiological data of infections due to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). We estimated the global case fatality rate (CFR) of CCHFV infections and the prevalence of CCHFV in humans, ticks and other animal species. We also explored the socio-demographic and clinical factors that influence these parameters. In this systematic review with meta–analyses we searched publications from database inception to 03rd February 2020 in Pubmed, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus. Studies included in this review provided cross-sectional data on the CFR and/or prevalence of one or more targets used for the detection of CCHFV. Two independent investigators selected studies to be included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by all authors. Data collected were analysed using a random effect meta-analysis. In all, 2345 records were found and a total of 312 articles (802 prevalence and/or CFR data) that met the inclusion criteria were retained. The overall CFR was 11.7% (95% CI = 9.1–14.5), 8.0% (95% CI = 1.0–18.9), and 4.7% (95% CI = 0.0–37.6) in humans with acute, recent, and past CCHFV infections respectively. The overall CCHFV acute infections prevalence was 22.5% (95% CI = 15.7–30.1) in humans, 2.1% (95% CI = 1.3–2.9) in ticks, and 4.5% (95% CI = 1.9–7.9) in other animal species. The overall CCHFV recent infections seroprevalence was 11.6% (95% CI = 7.9–16.4) in humans and 0.4% (95% CI = 0.0–2.9) in other animal species. The overall CCHFV past infections seroprevalence was 4.3% (95% CI = 3.3–5.4) in humans and 12.0% (95% CI = 9.9–14.3) in other animal species. CFR was higher in low-income countries, countries in the WHO African, South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions, in adult and ambulatory patients. CCHFV detection rate in humans were higher in CCHFV suspected cases, healthcare workers, adult and hospitalized patients, ticks of the genus Ornithodoros and Amblyomma and in animals of the orders Perissodactyla and Bucerotiformes. This review highlights a significant disease burden due to CCHFV with a strong disparity according to country income levels, geographic regions, various human categories and tick and other animal species. Preventive measures in the light of these findings are expected.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postexposure Prophylaxis for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus among Healthcare Workers.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.733867512.793551591 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Heinz Feldmann

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Postexposure Prophylaxis ◽

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

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Congenital abnormalities associated with Zika virus infection–Dengue as potential co-factor? A systematic review

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0008984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. e0008984

Author(s):

Stephanie Petzold ◽

Nisreen Agbaria ◽

Andreas Deckert ◽

Peter Dambach ◽

Volker Winkler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Virus Infection ◽

Dengue Virus ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Congenital Abnormalities ◽

Denv Infection ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Geographic Variability ◽

Zikv Infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged in Brazil during 2013–2014 causing an epidemic of previously unknown congenital abnormalities. The frequency of severe congenital abnormalities after maternal ZIKV infection revealed an unexplained geographic variability, especially between the Northeast and the rest of Brazil. Several reasons for this variability have been discussed. Prior immunity against DENV, that affects ZIKV seems to be the most likely explanation. Here we summarise the current evidence regarding the prominent co-factor to potentially explain the geographic variability. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted up to May 15th, 2020, focussing on immunological interactions from Zika virus with previous Dengue virus infections as potential teratogenic effect for the foetus. Eight out of 339 screened studies reported on the association between ZIKV, prior Dengue virus infection and microcephaly, mostly focusing on antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) as potential pathomechanism. Prior DENV infection was associated with enhancement for ZIKV infection and increased neurovirulence in one included in vitro study only. Interestingly, the seven in vivo studies exhibited a heterogeneous picture with three studies showing a protective effect of prior DENV infections and others no effect at all. According to several studies, socio-economic factors are associated with increased risk for microcephaly. Very few studies addressed the question of unexplained variability of infection-related microcephaly. Many studies focussed on ADE as mechanism without measuring microcephaly as endpoint. Interestingly, three of the included studies reported a protective effect of prior DENV infection against microcephaly. This systematic review strengthens the hypothesis that immune priming after recent DENV infection is the crucial factor for determining protection or enhancement activity. It is of high importance that the currently ongoing prospective studies include a harmonized assessment of the potential candidate co-factors.

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Towards a Sustainable One Health Approach to Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Prevention: Focus Areas and Gaps in Knowledge

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed5030113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 113 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Teresa E. Sorvillo ◽

Sergio E. Rodriguez ◽

Peter Hudson ◽

Megan Carey ◽

Luis L. Rodriguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

One Health ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

World Health ◽

Emerging Viruses ◽

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ◽

Transmission Cycle ◽

Hemorrhagic Fever Virus ◽

Vertebrate Hosts ◽

Health Organization

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection is identified in the 2018 World Health Organization Research and Development Blueprint and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) priority A list due to its high risk to public health and national security. Tick-borne CCHFV is widespread, found in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It circulates between ticks and several vertebrate hosts without causing overt disease, and thus can be present in areas without being noticed by the public. As a result, the potential for zoonotic spillover from ticks and animals to humans is high. In contrast to other emerging viruses, human-to-human transmission of CCHFV is typically limited; therefore, prevention of spillover events should be prioritized when considering countermeasures. Several factors in the transmission dynamics of CCHFV, including a complex transmission cycle that involves both ticks and vertebrate hosts, lend themselves to a One Health approach for the prevention and control of the disease that are often overlooked by current strategies. Here, we examine critical focus areas to help mitigate CCHFV spillover, including surveillance, risk assessment, and risk reduction strategies concentrated on humans, animals, and ticks; highlight gaps in knowledge; and discuss considerations for a more sustainable One Health approach to disease control.

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Epididymal epithelium propels early sexual transmission of Zika virus in the absence of interferon signaling

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-22729-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alexander G. Pletnev ◽

Olga A. Maximova ◽

Guangping Liu ◽

Heather Kenney ◽

Bianca M. Nagata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Equal Opportunity ◽

Vas Deferens ◽

Sexual Transmission ◽

Interferon Signaling ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Antiviral Responses ◽

Productive Phase ◽

Male To Female ◽

Different Parts

AbstractRecognition of Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission (ST) among humans challenges our understanding of the maintenance of mosquito-borne viruses in nature. Here we dissected the relative contributions of the components of male reproductive system (MRS) during early male-to-female ZIKV transmission by utilizing mice with altered antiviral responses, in which ZIKV is provided an equal opportunity to be seeded in the MRS tissues. Using microRNA-targeted ZIKV clones engineered to abolish viral infectivity to different parts of the MRS or a library of ZIKV genomes with unique molecular identifiers, we pinpoint epithelial cells of the epididymis (rather than cells of the testis, vas deferens, prostate, or seminal vesicles) as a most likely source of the sexually transmitted ZIKV genomes during the early (most productive) phase of ZIKV shedding into the semen. Incorporation of this mechanistic knowledge into the development of a live-attenuated ZIKV vaccine restricts its ST potential.

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A MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF ZIKA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN RIO DE JANEIRO AS A VECTOR-BORNE AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

Journal of Biological System ◽

10.1142/s0218339019500050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (01) ◽

pp. 83-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

GUSTAVO CRUZ-PACHECO ◽

LOURDES ESTEVA ◽

CLAUDIA PIO FERREIRA

Keyword(s):

Basic Reproduction Number ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Reproduction Number ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Sexual Transmission ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Infectious Period ◽

Sexually Transmitted

In this work we formulate a mathematical model to assess the importance of sexual transmission during the Zika virus outbreak that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2015. To this end, we deduce from the model an analytical expression of the basic reproduction number of Zika, [Formula: see text], in terms of the vectorial and sexual transmissions, and we use the estimations given in Ref. 1 [Villela DAM, Bastos LS, de Carvalho LM, Cruz OG, Gomes MFC, Durovni B, Lemos MC, Saraceni V, Coelho FC, Codeço CT, Zika in Rio de Janeiro: Assessment of basic reproduction number and comparison with dengue outbreaks, Epidemiol Infect 145(8):1649–1657, 2017] for the [Formula: see text] values of Zika virus and dengue virus epidemics in Rio de Janeiro to evaluate the contribution of sexual transmission of Zika virus. According to the obtained results, sexual transmission (pure plus mediated by vector transmission) contributes from 23% to 46% for the [Formula: see text] increment. Also, an asymmetric sexual transmission between men and women can explain the fact that the incidence of Zika virus in women was 60% higher than in man during the 2015 epidemics. We also carry out a sensitivity analysis using [Formula: see text] as the output parameter. The results of this analysis have shown that the transmission rate between human and mosquito populations, the mosquito mortality rate, and the human infectious period are the parameters that contribute more to the [Formula: see text] variation, highlighting the importance of vector control to halt disease transmission.

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