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Coitus-Free Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus in a Mouse Model

Chad S Clancy1,2, Arnaud J Van Wettere1, John D Morrey2

  • 1Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America.

Scientific Reports
|October 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Accessory sex glands can harbor infectious Zika virus (ZIKV), contributing to sexual transmission. This study demonstrates ZIKV transmission from infected male mice to females via artificial insemination.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus known to cause severe health complications.
  • ZIKV can be transmitted sexually, but the precise mechanisms and reservoirs remain under investigation.
  • Accessory sex glands are potential sites for viral persistence and sexual transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if accessory sex glands serve as a reservoir for infectious ZIKV.
  • To determine the role of these glands in the sexual transmission of ZIKV.
  • To establish an animal model for studying ZIKV sexual transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Male Ifnar knockout mice were infected with ZIKV.
  • Reproductive tissues and artificial insemination fluid (epididymal flush, seminal plasma) were collected.
  • Naïve AG129 female mice were artificially inseminated with ZIKV-infected male fluids.
  • ZIKV RNA and antigen presence were assessed in reproductive tissues and fluids.
  • Peripheral viremia in recipient females was monitored.

Main Results:

  • ZIKV RNA was detected in artificial insemination fluid from infected males.
  • ZIKV antigen was found in epididymal epithelial cells.
  • Infectious ZIKV was present in both epididymal fluid and seminal plasma.
  • ZIKV RNA was detected in the blood of recipient females, indicating successful transmission.
  • The study successfully modeled ZIKV transmission from male to female mice via artificial insemination.

Conclusions:

  • Accessory sex glands, specifically epididymis and seminal plasma, are reservoirs for infectious ZIKV.
  • These findings confirm the role of accessory sex glands in ZIKV sexual transmission.
  • The developed model provides a valuable tool for further research into ZIKV reproductive and sexual transmission dynamics.

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