Coitus-Free Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus in a Mouse Model
Chad S. Clancy, Arnaud J. Van Wettere, John D. Morrey, and Justin G. Julander | Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America, Institute for Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322-5600, United States of America | 2018 | Scientific Reports; 8:15379 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-33528-2
Zika virus is a viral infection that is typically transmitted by mosquitos however sexual transmission has recently been documented. To gain a further understanding in sexual transmission of the Zika virus, the aim of this study was to determine if accessory glands are a potential source of the virus and allow sexual transmission. ZIKV RNA was detected in all components of the male reproductive tract of the mice studied using qRT-PCR, performed on the MIC Real-Time Cycler. All ZIKV-infected males were capable of causing ZIKV viremia in naïve females when inoculated intravaginally or subcutaneously.
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