Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has recently surged in human populations, causing an increase in congenital and Guillain-Barré syndromes. While sexual transmission and presence of ZIKV in urine, semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva have been established, the origin of persistent virus shedding into biological secretions is not clear. Using a primary adult murine neuronal culture model, we have determined that ZIKV persistently and productively infects sensory neurons of the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, which innervate glands and mucosa of the face and the genitourinary tract, respectively, without apparent injury. Autonomic neurons that innervate these regions are not permissive for infection. However, productive ZIKV infection of satellite glial cells that surround and support sensory and autonomic neurons in peripheral ganglia results in their destruction. Persistent infection of sensory neurons, without affecting their viability, provides a potential reservoir for viral shedding in biological secretions for extended periods of time after infection. Furthermore, viral destruction of satellite glial cells may contribute to the development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome via an alternative mechanism to the established autoimmune response.
Highlights
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen of global health concern due to its connection with microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Our findings show that ZIKV productively and persistently infects a portion of trigeminal (TG)
Infection of TG sensory neurons, which innervate the mucosal surfaces and glands of the face, may contribute to ZIKV shedding at sites innervate the mucosal surfaces and glands of the face, may contribute to ZIKV shedding at sites conceivably vulnerable to transmission
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen of global health concern due to its connection with microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). ZIKV presented as subclinical or mild illness with fever, headache, and diffuse joint pain [1]. Recent epidemics outside of Africa on the Micronesian island Yap, French Polynesia, and Brazil have been associated with increased microcephaly, blindness, and neurological disorders in infants born to women infected while pregnant. The concerns regarding the connection between GBS and ZIKV infection did not emerge until the French Polynesian epidemic. Cases of meningoencephalitis and myelitis have been reported following ZIKV infection [3]. In a case-control study, French scientists describing the correlation between ZIKV and GBS in French Polynesia showed that 1 in every 4200 people with
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