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Pathogenesis and sexual transmission of Spondweni and Zika viruses

Erin M McDonald1, Nisha K Duggal1, Aaron C Brault1

  • 1Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|October 7, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Zika virus (ZIKV) efficiently transmits sexually, unlike Spondweni virus (SPONV). This study in mice shows ZIKV in 60-72% of ejaculates, while SPONV was found in only 4%, despite similar testicular viral loads.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Spondweni virus (SPONV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are related mosquito-borne flaviviruses causing human illness.
  • ZIKV is known to transmit sexually, particularly the Asian genotype.
  • SPONV human infections are typically febrile, with no prior reports of sexual transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the sexual transmission efficiency of different ZIKV strains.
  • To investigate the potential for SPONV sexual transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Interferon α/β and -γ receptor deficient (AG129) mice were inoculated with Asian or African ZIKV strains, or SPONV.
  • Viral loads in the male reproductive tract and seminal fluids were assessed.
  • Infectious virus presence in ejaculates was determined.

Main Results:

  • Infectious ZIKV was detected in 60-72% of ejaculates from ZIKV-infected mice.
  • Infectious SPONV was found in only 4% of ejaculates from SPONV-infected mice.
  • Testicular viral titers were comparable between ZIKV- and SPONV-inoculated mice.

Conclusions:

  • ZIKV demonstrates a significantly higher potential for sexual transmission compared to SPONV.
  • Differential sexual transmission capacity may be linked to viral genetic factors and host tropism.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind ZIKV and SPONV sexual transmission.

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