Aerosolized Zika virus infection in Guinea pigs
Hong-Ying Qiu1, Na-Na Zhang1,2, Qing-Qing Ma1
1State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and sexual contact, and vertical transmission of ZIKV has also been observed in humans. In addition, ZIKV infection via unknown transmission routes has been frequently reported in clinical settings. However, whether ZIKV can be transmitted via aerosol routes remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that aerosolized ZIKV is fully infectious in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation with aerosolized ZIKV led to rapid viremia and viral secretion in saliva, as well as robust humoral and innate immune responses in guinea pigs. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that the expression of genes related to viral processes, biological regulation and the immune response was significantly changed. Together, our results confirm that aerosolized ZIKV can result in systemic infection and induce both innate and adaptive immune responses in guinea pigs, highlighting the possibility of ZIKV transmission via aerosols.
Insights
Aerosolized Zika virus (ZIKV) is infectious, causing rapid viremia and immune responses in guinea pigs. This study confirms ZIKV can spread systemically through aerosols, suggesting a potential new transmission route.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) primarily spreads via mosquito bites, sexual contact, and vertically.
- Unknown transmission routes for ZIKV have been reported, prompting investigation into other possibilities.
- The potential for aerosol transmission of ZIKV remains unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infectivity and transmission potential of aerosolized Zika virus.
- To determine if ZIKV can cause systemic infection and elicit immune responses when inhaled.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies using aerosolized ZIKV.
- Intratracheal inoculation in guinea pigs.
- Monitoring for viremia, viral shedding, and immune responses.
- Transcriptome analysis to assess host gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Aerosolized ZIKV demonstrated full infectivity in vitro and in vivo.
- Intratracheal inoculation led to rapid viremia and viral presence in saliva.
- Significant humoral and innate immune responses were observed in infected guinea pigs.
- Transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in genes related to viral processes and immunity.
Conclusions:
- Aerosolized ZIKV can cause systemic infection in guinea pigs.
- Inhalation of ZIKV induces both innate and adaptive immune responses.
- These findings highlight the potential for ZIKV transmission via aerosols, adding to known transmission routes.
