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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Evidence of Spreading Zika Virus Infection Caused by Males of Different Species
Thayane da Encarnação Sá-Guimarães1, Monica Ferreira Moreira1
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA flavivirus and is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This arbovirus has had a significant impact on health in recent years by causing malformations, such as microcephaly in babies and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Some evidence indicates that ZIKV can be sexually transmitted and may persist in the male reproductive tract for an extended period in humans. Knockout and vasectomized mice have been used as models to reveal ZIKV infection in the male reproductive tract as a virus source. ZIKV presence in male and female mosquito reproductive tracts and eggs point to venereal and vertical/transovarian transmission, again demonstrating that the reproductive tract can be involved in the spread of ZIKV. Moreover, eggs protected by eggshells have the potential to be a ZIKV reservoir. Given the +-lack of vaccines and therapies for Zika fever and the underestimated prevalence rate, an understanding of ZIKV infection and its spread from the reproductive tract, which is protected from the immune system and potentially active for virus transmission, is imperative. We must also develop cheaper, more efficient techniques for virological surveillance inside vectors and humans, control vectors with ecofriendly insecticides, and promote condom use to avoid ZIKV contamination during sexual intercourse, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) can persist in the male reproductive tract and be transmitted sexually. Understanding this transmission is crucial due to the lack of vaccines and therapies for Zika fever.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes significant health issues like microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Evidence suggests ZIKV sexual transmission and persistence in the male reproductive tract, posing a public health concern.
- The reproductive tract's immune privilege and potential for virus shedding highlight its importance in ZIKV spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the reproductive tract in Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and transmission.
- To understand ZIKV persistence and spread, particularly in the male reproductive system.
- To emphasize the need for effective surveillance, vector control, and preventative measures against ZIKV.
Main Methods:
- Utilized knockout and vasectomized mouse models to study ZIKV infection in the male reproductive tract.
- Examined ZIKV presence in the reproductive tracts of male and female mosquitoes and their eggs.
- Reviewed existing evidence on ZIKV transmission routes and reservoir potential.
Main Results:
- Confirmed ZIKV infection and persistence within the male reproductive tract, identifying it as a potential virus source.
- Demonstrated ZIKV presence in mosquito reproductive tracts and eggs, indicating venereal and vertical transmission.
- Identified mosquito eggs as a potential ZIKV reservoir due to protective eggshells.
Conclusions:
- The reproductive tract plays a significant role in ZIKV infection dynamics and transmission, including sexual and vertical routes.
- Effective strategies are needed for ZIKV surveillance in vectors and humans, alongside vector control and promotion of safe sexual practices.
- Further research into ZIKV reservoirs and transmission pathways is imperative given the limited therapeutic options.
