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Published on: August 23, 2016
Sexual transmission of Zika virus: a literature review
Miranda Sherley1, Chong-Wei Ong2
1Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Building 5, Level 1, Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT. PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia.
Abstract:
Zika virus is an emerging health threat worldwide. A member of the yellow fever virus family, it is primarily spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes (Stegomyia) genus. Unusually for a mosquito-borne virus, sexual spread has also been reported; with cases of male-to-female, female-to-male and male-to-male sexual transmission all now published in the scientific literature, in both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Female-to-female sexual transmission has not yet been reported, but is biologically plausible. The extent of the effect of sexual transmission on the spread of Zika virus around the world is not well-characterised, but has particular relevance to travellers to and from non-endemic regions, and assisted reproduction services.
Insights
Zika virus, primarily mosquito-borne, can also spread sexually between people. Understanding sexual transmission is crucial for global health, especially for travelers and in assisted reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Zika virus is an emerging global health concern.
- Primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Sexual transmission is an unusual but documented route for this virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Zika virus sexual transmission.
- To highlight the implications of sexual transmission for public health.
- To discuss relevance for travelers and assisted reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published scientific studies.
- Analysis of documented cases of sexual transmission.
- Assessment of biological plausibility for transmission routes.
Main Results:
- Sexual transmission of Zika virus confirmed in multiple directions (male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male).
- Transmission occurs in both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.
- Female-to-female transmission is biologically plausible but not yet reported.
Conclusions:
- Sexual transmission plays a role in Zika virus epidemiology.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize the impact of sexual spread.
- Awareness is critical for travelers and in clinical settings like assisted reproduction.
