Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) was recently declared as a 'Global Health Emergency' by the World Health Organization. Various tissue reservoirs of ZIKV in infected humans and animals models have been observed, the implications of which are not known. Compared to other Flaviviruses, sexual transmission and persistence in the genitourinary tract seem to be unique to ZIKV. ZIKV persistence and shedding in bodily secretions (e.g. saliva, semen) is a concern for potential disease spread and could pose challenges in diagnosis, regulatory guidelines and drug/vaccine development. Murine and non-human primate models could be useful to study the role of tissue reservoirs in the development of prophylactic or therapeutic strategies. There is a need for meta-analysis of the ZIKV infection and virus shedding data from infected patients and ZIKV animal models, and additional research is needed to fully comprehend the long term implications of tissue reservoirs on ZIKV disease pathogenesis and biology.
Highlights
After the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Brazil and other countries, multiple studies have been published regarding various tissue reservoirs, including the eyes, nervous system, genitourinary tracts and placenta (Table 1)
A recent report of ZIKV transmission in renal and liver transplant patients with abnormal graft functions[1] poses a new challenge in screening organs intended for transplants and monitoring transplanted patients. Considering such new concerns for ZIKV, we have reviewed the existing literature about ZIKV tissue reservoirs in this article and provide our analysis of the potential impact of ZIKV reservoirs on transmission and challenges in development of medical countermeasures against ZIKV
From patients, paired serum and urine samples are considered to be of primary diagnostic importance (CDC guidance for US laboratories testing for Zika virus infections)
Summary
This article is included in the Emerging Diseases and Outbreaks gateway
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