scholarly journals Understanding the survival of Zika virus in a vector interconnected sexual contact network

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanvir Ferdousi ◽  
Lee W. Cohnstaedt ◽  
D. S. McVey ◽  
Caterina M. Scoglio
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Mosquito Abundance ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Epidemic Size ◽  
Outbreak Size

ABSTRACTThe recent outbreaks of the insect-vectored Zika virus have demonstrated its potential to be sexually transmitted, which complicates modeling and our understanding of disease dynamics. Autochthonous outbreaks in the US mainland may be a consequence of both modes of transmission, which affect the outbreak size, duration, and virus persistence. We propose a novel individual-based interconnected network model that incorporates both insect-vectored and sexual transmission of this pathogen. This model interconnects a homogeneous mosquito vector population with a heterogeneous human host contact network. The model incorporates the seasonal variation of mosquito abundance and characterizes host dynamics based on age group and gender in order to produce realistic projections. We use a sexual contact network which is generated on the basis of real world sexual behavior data. Our findings suggest that for a high relative transmissibility of asymptomatic hosts, Zika virus shows a high probability of sustaining in the human population for up to 3 months without the presence of mosquito vectors. Zika outbreaks are strongly affected by the large proportion of asymptomatic individuals and their relative transmissibility. The outbreak size is also affected by the time of the year when the pathogen is introduced. Although sexual transmission has a relatively low contribution in determining the epidemic size, it plays a role in sustaining the epidemic and creating potential endemic scenarios.

scholarly journals From Mosquito Bites to Sexual Transmission: Evaluating Mouse Models of Zika Virus Infection

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2244
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Balint ◽  
Amelia Montemarano ◽  
Emily Feng ◽  
Ali A. Ashkar
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Male To Female

Following the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Latin America, ZIKV has emerged as a global health threat due to its ability to induce neurological disease in both adults and the developing fetus. ZIKV is largely mosquito-borne and is now endemic in many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. However, several reports have demonstrated persistent ZIKV infection of the male reproductive tract and evidence of male-to-female sexual transmission of ZIKV. Sexual transmission may broaden the reach of ZIKV infections beyond its current geographical limits, presenting a significant threat worldwide. Several mouse models of ZIKV infection have been developed to investigate ZIKV pathogenesis and develop effective vaccines and therapeutics. However, the majority of these models focus on mosquito-borne infection, while few have considered the impact of sexual transmission on immunity and pathogenesis. This review will examine the advantages and disadvantages of current models of mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted ZIKV and provide recommendations for the effective use of ZIKV mouse models.

scholarly journals Follow-Up Household Serosurvey in Northeast Brazil for Zika Virus: Sexual Contacts of Index Patients Have the Highest Risk for Seropositivity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tereza Magalhaes ◽  
Clarice N L Morais ◽  
Iracema J A A Jacques ◽  
Elisa A N Azevedo ◽  
Ana M Brito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Northeast Brazil ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Sexual Contacts ◽  
Household Members

Abstract Background Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is also transmitted sexually; however, the epidemiological relevance of ZIKV sexual transmission in endemic regions is unclear. Methods We performed a household-based serosurvey in Northeast Brazil to evaluate the differential exposure to ZIKV and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) among households. Individuals who participated in our previous arboviral disease cohort (indexes) were recontacted and enrolled, and their household members were newly enrolled. Results The relative risk of sexual partners being ZIKV-seropositive when living with a ZIKV-seropositive index participant was significantly higher, whereas this was not observed among nonsexual partners of the index. For CHIKV, both sexual and nonsexual partner household members living with a CHIKV-seropositive index had a significantly higher risk of being seropositive. In the nonindex-based dyadic and generalized linear mixed model analyses, the odds of sexual dyads having a concordant ZIKV plaque reduction neutralization test result was significantly higher. We have also analyzed retrospective clinical data according to the participants’ exposure to ZIKV and CHIKV. Conclusions Our data suggest that ZIKV sexual transmission may be a key factor for the high ZIKV seroprevalence among households in endemic areas and raises important questions about differential disease from the 2 modes of transmission.

scholarly journals Zika Virus Trafficking and Interactions in the Human Male Reproductive Tract

Pathogens ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
Unprotected Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Human Male ◽  
Viral Interactions

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.

scholarly journals Determinants of arbovirus vector density as a measure of transmission risk in regions of recent Zika virus introduction in the Americas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoit Talbot ◽  
Beate Sander ◽  
Varsovia Cevallos ◽  
Camila González ◽  
Denisse Benítez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Mosquito Abundance ◽  
Vector Density ◽  
Entry Points

Abstract Background The global impact of Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean has drawn renewed attention to circulating mosquito-borne viruses in this region, such as dengue and chikungunya. Our objective was to assess socio-ecological factors associated with Aedes mosquito vector density as a measure of arboviral transmission risk in three cities of potential recent Zika virus introduction: Ibagué, Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; and Posadas, Argentina, in order to inform disease mitigation strategies. Methods We monitored Aedes mosquito populations over 12 months starting in 2018 in a total of 1,086 randomly selected households, using indoor and peridomestic mosquito collection methods. For each sampled household, we collected socio-economic data using structured questionnaires and data on microenvironmental conditions using iButton data loggers. Results A total of 3,230 female Aedes mosquitoes were collected, of which 99.8% were Ae. aegypti and 0.2% were Ae. albopictus. Mean female Aedes spp. mosquito abundance per household was 1.71. We modeled the interaction between neighborhood and household wealth profiles, and found significantly lower Aedes density in highest compared to lowest and middle wealth households, although the effect differed by level of neighborhood wealth. We used mixed-effects Poisson regression analyses to identify predictors of Aedes density, using month, neighborhood, and country as random-effect variables. Across study sites, the number of household occupants (Incidence rate ratio, IRR = 1.08), presence of entry points for mosquitoes into the household (IRR = 1.51), and presence of decorative vegetation (IRR = 1.52) were associated with higher Aedes density; while being in the highest wealth tertile of household wealth (IRR = 0.78), knowledge of how arboviruses are transmitted (IRR = 0.94) and regular emptying of water containers by occupants (IRR = 0.79) were associated with lower Aedes density. Conclusions Our study addresses the complexities of arbovirus vectors of global significance at the interface between society and the environment. Our results point to several determinants of Aedes mosquito vector density in countries with co-circulation of multiple Aedes-borne viruses, and could help us identify targets of practical intervention for disease prevention and control.

scholarly journals Epididymal epithelium propels early sexual transmission of Zika virus in the absence of interferon signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander G. Pletnev ◽  
Olga A. Maximova ◽  
Guangping Liu ◽  
Heather Kenney ◽  
Bianca M. Nagata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Equal Opportunity ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Interferon Signaling ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Antiviral Responses ◽  
Productive Phase ◽  
Male To Female ◽  
Different Parts

AbstractRecognition of Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission (ST) among humans challenges our understanding of the maintenance of mosquito-borne viruses in nature. Here we dissected the relative contributions of the components of male reproductive system (MRS) during early male-to-female ZIKV transmission by utilizing mice with altered antiviral responses, in which ZIKV is provided an equal opportunity to be seeded in the MRS tissues. Using microRNA-targeted ZIKV clones engineered to abolish viral infectivity to different parts of the MRS or a library of ZIKV genomes with unique molecular identifiers, we pinpoint epithelial cells of the epididymis (rather than cells of the testis, vas deferens, prostate, or seminal vesicles) as a most likely source of the sexually transmitted ZIKV genomes during the early (most productive) phase of ZIKV shedding into the semen. Incorporation of this mechanistic knowledge into the development of a live-attenuated ZIKV vaccine restricts its ST potential.

A MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF ZIKA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN RIO DE JANEIRO AS A VECTOR-BORNE AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (01) ◽  
pp. 83-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
GUSTAVO CRUZ-PACHECO ◽  
LOURDES ESTEVA ◽  
CLAUDIA PIO FERREIRA
Keyword(s):  
Basic Reproduction Number ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Infectious Period ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

In this work we formulate a mathematical model to assess the importance of sexual transmission during the Zika virus outbreak that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2015. To this end, we deduce from the model an analytical expression of the basic reproduction number of Zika, [Formula: see text], in terms of the vectorial and sexual transmissions, and we use the estimations given in Ref. 1 [Villela DAM, Bastos LS, de Carvalho LM, Cruz OG, Gomes MFC, Durovni B, Lemos MC, Saraceni V, Coelho FC, Codeço CT, Zika in Rio de Janeiro: Assessment of basic reproduction number and comparison with dengue outbreaks, Epidemiol Infect 145(8):1649–1657, 2017] for the [Formula: see text] values of Zika virus and dengue virus epidemics in Rio de Janeiro to evaluate the contribution of sexual transmission of Zika virus. According to the obtained results, sexual transmission (pure plus mediated by vector transmission) contributes from 23% to 46% for the [Formula: see text] increment. Also, an asymmetric sexual transmission between men and women can explain the fact that the incidence of Zika virus in women was 60% higher than in man during the 2015 epidemics. We also carry out a sensitivity analysis using [Formula: see text] as the output parameter. The results of this analysis have shown that the transmission rate between human and mosquito populations, the mosquito mortality rate, and the human infectious period are the parameters that contribute more to the [Formula: see text] variation, highlighting the importance of vector control to halt disease transmission.

scholarly journals Sexual Transmission of Arboviruses: A Systematic Review

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 933
Author(s):  
Bradley J. Blitvich ◽  
Tereza Magalhaes ◽  
S. Viridiana Laredo-Tiscareño ◽  
Brian D. Foy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever Virus ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts ◽  
Hematophagous Arthropods

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are primarily maintained in nature in transmission cycles between hematophagous arthropods and vertebrate hosts, but an increasing number of arboviruses have been isolated from or indirectly detected in the urogenital tract and sexual secretions of their vertebrate hosts, indicating that further investigation on the possibility of sexual transmission of these viruses is warranted. The most widely recognized sexually-transmitted arbovirus is Zika virus but other arboviruses, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and dengue virus, might also be transmitted, albeit occasionally, by this route. This review summarizes our current understanding on the ability of arboviruses to be sexually transmitted. We discuss the sexual transmission of arboviruses between humans and between vertebrate animals, but not arthropod vectors. Every taxonomic group known to contain arboviruses (Asfarviridae, Bunyavirales, Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Reoviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Togaviridae) is covered.

scholarly journals A Viral Polymerase Inhibitor Reduces Zika Virus Replication in the Reproductive Organs of Male Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2122
Author(s):  
Sofie Jacobs ◽  
Leen Delang ◽  
Eric Verbeken ◽  
Johan Neyts ◽  
Suzanne J.F. Kaptein
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Infectious Virus ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Epidemic Size ◽  
Polymerase Inhibitor

In humans, Zika virus and viral RNA have been detected in semen up to 2.2 months and 6 months post infection (pi), respectively. Although the contribution of sexual transmission to the spread of ZIKV is too low to sustain an outbreak, it can increase the risk of infection and the epidemic size as well as prolong the duration of an outbreak. In this study, we explored the potential of antivirals to serve as an effective strategy to prevent sexual transmission. Male AG129 mice infected with a ZIKV isolate from Suriname were treated with the nucleoside analog, 7-deaza-2′-C-methyladenosine (7DMA), that was previously shown to be efficacious in reducing ZIKV viremia and delaying ZIKV-induced disease in mice. Following treatment, viral RNA and infectious virus titers were consistently reduced in the male reproductive organs compared to vehicle-treated mice. This reduction of ZIKV loads in the testis was confirmed by the detection of lower levels of ZIKV antigens. Our data illustrate the value of this mouse model to validate the efficacy of new potential ZIKV drugs at the level of the male reproductive system.

scholarly journals Cellular and Humoral Immunity Protect against Vaginal Zika Virus Infection in Mice

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Scott ◽  
Tania J. Lebratti ◽  
Justin M. Richner ◽  
Xiaoping Jiang ◽  
Estefania Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Correlates Of Protection ◽  
Immune Correlates

ABSTRACTZika virus (ZIKV), which can cause devastating disease in fetuses of infected pregnant women, can be transmitted by mosquito inoculation and sexual routes. Little is known about immune protection against sexually transmitted ZIKV. In this study, we show that previous infection through intravaginal or subcutaneous routes with a contemporary Brazilian strain of ZIKV can protect against subsequent intravaginal challenge with a homologous strain. Both routes of inoculation induced high titers of ZIKV-specific and neutralizing antibody in serum and the vaginal lumen. Virus-specific T cells were recruited to and retained in the female reproductive tract after intravaginal and subcutaneous ZIKV infection. Studies in mice with genetic or acquired deficiencies in B and/or T cells demonstrated that both lymphocyte populations redundantly protect against intravaginal challenge in ZIKV-immune animals. Passive transfer of ZIKV-immune IgG or T cells significantly limited intravaginal infection of naive mice, although antibody more effectively prevented dissemination throughout the reproductive tract. Collectively, our experiments begin to establish the immune correlates of protection against intravaginal ZIKV infection, which should inform vaccination strategies in nonpregnant and pregnant women.IMPORTANCEThe recent ZIKV epidemic resulted in devastating outcomes in fetuses and may affect reproductive health. Unlike other flaviviruses, ZIKV can be spread by sexual contact as well as a mosquito vector. While previous studies have identified correlates of protection for mosquito-mediated infection, few have focused on immunity against sexual transmission. As exposure to ZIKV via mosquito bite has likely occurred to many living in areas where ZIKV is endemic, our study addresses whether this route of infection can protect against subsequent sexual exposure. We demonstrate that subcutaneous ZIKV infection can protect against subsequent vaginal infection by generating both local antiviral T cell and antibody responses. Our research begins to define the immune correlates of protection for ZIKV infection in the vagina and provides a foundation for testing ZIKV vaccines against sexual transmission.

scholarly journals Mathematical models of SIR disease spread with combined non-sexual and sexual transmission routes

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel C Miller
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Transmission Mechanism ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Low Dimensional ◽  
Large Population Limit

AbstractThe emergence of diseases such as Zika and Ebola has highlighted the need to understand the role of sexual transmission in the spread of diseases with a primarily non-sexual transmission route. In this paper we develop a number of low-dimensional models which are appropriate for a range of assumptions for how a disease will spread if it has sexual transmission through a sexual contact network combined with some other transmission mechanism, such as direct contact or vectors. The equations derived provide exact predictions for the dynamics of the corresponding simulations in the large population limit.

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