Abstract
Sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is a matter of great concern. Infectious viral particles can be shed in semen for as long as six months after infection and can be transferred to male and female sexual partners during unprotected sexual intercourse. The virus can be found inside spermatozoa and could be directly transferred to the oocyte during fertilization. Sexual transmission of ZIKV can contribute to the rise in number of infected individuals in endemic areas as well as in countries where the mosquito vector does not thrive. There is also the possibility, as has been demonstrated in mouse models, that the vaginal deposition of ZIKV particles present in semen could lead to congenital syndrome. In this paper, we review the current literature to understand ZIKV trafficking from the bloodstream to the human male reproductive tract and viral interactions with host cells in interstitial spaces, tubule walls, annexed glands and semen. We hope to highlight gaps to be filled by future research and potential routes for vaccine and antiviral development.
Highlights
The male reproductive tract (MRT) has become a site of great interest in virology since the emergence of HIV infections in the 80s [1]
There was an urge among scientists to test semen and vaginal secretions for the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) RNA and to determine if ZIKV particles shed in these body fluids were infectious, especially after two cases of possible sexual transmission of the infection were reported in the USA [16,17]
ZIKV, a sexually transmitted virus, invades the male reproductive tract and interacts with immune cells, germ cells and spermatogonia being detected inside motile spermatozoa and posing a serious threat to human reproduction
Summary
The male reproductive tract (MRT) has become a site of great interest in virology since the emergence of HIV infections in the 80s [1]. There was an urge among scientists to test semen and vaginal secretions for the presence of ZIKV RNA and to determine if ZIKV particles shed in these body fluids were infectious, especially after two cases of possible sexual transmission of the infection were reported in the USA [16,17]. Further studies are needed to precisely determine the dynamics of YFV shedding in semen It becomes clear from this brief introduction that the MRT is an appropriate site for replication and persistence of several viruses, including arboviruses that are endemic in tropical countries posing a serious threat to populations in which unprotected sexual intercourses occur. We hope that a better understanding of ZIKV infections in males will contribute to the definition of new research goals, better reproductive recommendations and new strategies for vaccine development in a Zika threatened world
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