Coitus-Free Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus in a Mouse Model.

ABSTRACT: Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arboviral infection that may be sexually transmitted. The present study aims to determine if accessory sex glands are a potential source of infectious virus and important in sexual transmission. Male interferon type I receptor knockout (Ifnar^-/-) mice were challenged subcutaneously with a Puerto Rican ZIKV isolate. Reproductive tissues were harvested seven days after viral challenge and artificial insemination fluid derived from epididymis or homogenized accessory sex glands (seminal plasma) was obtained. Naïve interferon type I and II receptor knockout (AG129) females were pre-treated with progesterone, and inoculated intravaginally with either epididymal flush or seminal plasma from ZIKV-infected males. ZIKV RNA was demonstrated in the artificial insemi

SUBMITTER: Clancy CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6194026 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature