Persistent Zika Virus RNA in Semen Is Associated with Inflammation of the Male Genital Tract

Men with long-term shedding of Zika virus RNA had more leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines in their semen than short-term shedders.

An unusual aspect of the Zika virus is that, in addition to being mosquito-borne, it can be transmitted sexually — a modality estimated to account for 23% of all infections in endemic regions. In a previous prospective study of 184 men with symptomatic illness, Zika virus RNA was found in the semen of 33% and continued to be detectable 90 days later in 21% (NEJM JW Infect Dis Jun 2018 and N Engl J Med 2018 Apr 12; 378:1377).

To examine why some individuals shed Zika virus RNA for prolonged periods and others do not, samples from the previous study were further characterized. Twenty-six long-term shedders (>78 days) were compared with 23 short-term shedders (<22 days). Long-term shedders had significantly higher semen leukocyte concentrations…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Persistent Zika Virus RNA in Semen Is Associated with Inflammation of the Male Genital Tract

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Reviewing Author