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Effect of human semen on herpes-simplex virus-2
1Department of Anatomy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205-7199.
Fertility and Sterility
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Human semen components affect herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infectivity. Seminal fluid initially inhibits HSV-2, while whole semen supports viral infectivity after 24 hours, suggesting a role for spermatozoa.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a significant public health concern.
- The role of seminal fluid and its components in HSV-2 transmission and infectivity is not fully understood.
- Previous suggestions indicated potential inhibitory effects of seminal fluid on viral infectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the inhibitory effect of seminal fluid on HSV-2 infectivity.
- To examine the relationship between HSV-2 and components of human semen, including spermatozoa.
- To determine the impact of incubation time on viral infectivity in different semen fractions.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of viral infectivity using 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) measurements.
- Comparison of cytopathic effect (CPE) in viral-inoculated aliquots of whole semen, seminal fluid, and EMEM medium.
- Incubation of samples at 0, 5, and 24 hours.
- Statistical analysis of data from 15 independent experiments.
- Electron microscopy to investigate ultrastructural interactions between HSV-2 virions and spermatozoa.
Main Results:
- Seminal fluid demonstrated an inhibitory effect on HSV-2 infectivity within the first 5 hours of incubation.
- After 24 hours of incubation, viral infectivity was significantly higher in whole semen compared to seminal fluid or control medium.
- Electron microscopy did not reveal any direct ultrastructural relationship between HSV-2 virions and spermatozoa.
Conclusions:
- Seminal fluid exhibits a transient inhibitory effect on HSV-2 infectivity.
- Whole semen, particularly after prolonged incubation, appears to support HSV-2 infectivity, possibly due to interactions with spermatozoa.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these interactions and their implications for HSV-2 transmission.
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