Zika Virus Causes Acute and Chronic Prostatitis in Mice and Macaques.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sexual transmission and persistence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the male reproductive tract has raised concerned for potential damaging effects on function. Animal studies have demonstrated that ZIKV virus can infect and damage the testis and epididymis, and these results has been correlated to lower sperm counts in ZIKV-infected humans. The prostate plays a vital role in the male reproductive tract, with acute and chronic prostatitis linked to male infertility.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the effects of ZIKV virus on the prostate in mice and nonhuman primates.

Results

In mice, ZIKV infected the prostate and triggered inflammation that persisted even after virus clearance. Evidence of chronic prostatitis associated with ZIKV infection remained for sever

SUBMITTER: Halabi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7137895 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature