Abstract
Due to the large geographical overlap of populations exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), understanding the disease pathogenesis of co-infection is urgently needed. This warrants the development of an animal model for HIV-ZIKV co-infection. In this study, we used adult non-pregnant macaques that were chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus/chimeric simian human immunodeficiency virus (SIV/SHIV) and then inoculated with ZIKV. Plasma viral loads of both SIV/SHIV and ZIKV co-infected animals revealed no significant changes as compared to animals that were infected with ZIKV alone or as compared to SIV/SHIV infected animals prior to ZIKV inoculation. ZIKV tissue clearance of co-infected animals was similar to animals that were infected with ZIKV alone. Furthermore, in co-infected macaques, there was no statistically significant difference in plasma cytokines/chemokines levels as compared to prior to ZIKV inoculation. Collectively, these findings suggest that co-infection may not alter disease pathogenesis, thus warranting larger HIV-ZIKV epidemiological studies in order to validate these findings.
Highlights
Experimental and theoretical attention has been devoted to the interactions between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and various neglected tropical infectious diseases such as Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue virus (DENV)
We investigated SIV/SHIVZIKV co-infection dynamics in adult non-pregnant Rhesus Macaques (RMs) chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)—or chimeric simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)
We found that post ZIKV inoculation, ZIKV plasma viral loads in co-infected macaques were similar to ZIKV alone-infected animals, and minimal
Summary
Experimental and theoretical attention has been devoted to the interactions between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and various neglected tropical infectious diseases such as Zika virus (ZIKV), Dengue virus (DENV). These interactions could potentially lead to either pathogen altering the epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunology, and response to therapy of the other, sometimes even resulting in entirely new ailments that neither pathogen would have instigated alone [1]. The two main types of clinical complications from ZIKV infection are microcephaly of newborns from women infected during early pregnancy [5], and a variety of neurological conditions in adults, including Guillain-Barresyndrome [1, 4] Serological tests cross-react DENV, and there are no specific antivirals or vaccines that are yet approved by Food and Drug Administration. The most effective tool for combating ZIKV is the prevention of mosquito bites, through measures such as repellents, protective nets, and insecticides [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
