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New Challenge for Zika Virus Infection: Human Reservoirs?

Gubio Soares Campos1, Rejane Hughes Carvalho1, Antonio Carlos Bandeira2

  • 1Laboratory of Virology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.

Viral Immunology
|April 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Zika virus (ZIKV) can persist in human serum for up to three years, challenging the notion of acute infection. This discovery reveals potential long-term viral reservoirs in humans, impacting ZIKV understanding.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Zika virus (ZIKV) typically causes acute, self-limiting infections in adults.
  • While ZIKV can persist in body fluids, prolonged viremia in serum exceeding one year remained undocumented.
  • Microcephaly in fetuses is a known severe outcome of ZIKV infection during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in serum samples from individuals infected 1.5 to 3 years prior.
  • To determine if ZIKV viremia can be detected long-term in serum, including in children with microcephaly and their families.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 77 subjects with a history of ZIKV infection were analyzed.
  • Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect ZIKV RNA.
  • Viral isolation in Vero and C6/36 cell lines was performed to confirm the presence of infectious ZIKV particles.

Main Results:

  • ZIKV RNA was detected in five (6.5%) of the 77 subjects via RT-qPCR.
  • Four of the five positive subjects belonged to the same family, indicating potential household transmission or prolonged shedding.
  • Viral isolation confirmed the presence of active, infectious ZIKV particles in these samples, with viremia detected up to 3 years post-symptom onset.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent ZIKV viremia in serum can last for at least 3 years, extending beyond the previously reported duration.
  • The detection of active virus in healthy carriers suggests humans can act as long-term reservoirs for ZIKV.
  • These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of ZIKV transmission dynamics and public health strategies for managing persistent infections.
Keywords:
Zika virusimmune complacencypersistenceviremia

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