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von Maltitz P, Wettstein L, Weil T, Schommers P, Klein F, Münch J. Semen enhances transmitted/founder HIV-1 infection and only marginally reduces antiviral activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies. J Virol 2024; 98:e0119023. [PMID: 38501840 PMCID: PMC11019787 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01190-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Topically applied microbicides may play a critical role in preventing sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1); however, their efficacy can be compromised by amyloid fibrils present in semen, which significantly increase HIV-1 infectivity. This phenomenon may have contributed to the failure of most microbicide candidates in clinical settings. Understanding the impact of semen on microbicide effectiveness is thus crucial. In our study, we evaluated the influence of semen on the neutralizing activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), including PG16, PGT121, 10-1074, 3BNC117, and VRC01, which are potential microbicide candidates. We found that semen enhances infection of HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses but only marginally affects the neutralizing activity of tested antibodies, suggesting their potential for microbicide application. Our findings underscore the need to consider semen-mediated enhancement when evaluating and developing microbicides and highlight the potential of incorporating HIV-1 bNAbs in formulations to enhance efficacy and mitigate HIV-1 transmission during sexual encounters.IMPORTANCEThis study examined the impact of semen on the development of microbicides, substances used to prevent the transmission of HIV-1 during sexual activity. Semen contains certain components that can render the virus more infectious, posing a challenge to microbicide effectiveness. Researchers specifically investigated the effect of semen on a group of powerful antibodies called broadly neutralizing antibodies, which can neutralize a large spectrum of different HIV-1 variants. The results revealed that semen only had a minimal effect on the antibodies' ability to neutralize the virus. This is promising because it suggests that these antibodies could still be effective in microbicides, even in the presence of semen. Understanding this interaction is crucial for developing better strategies to prevent HIV-1 transmission. By incorporating the knowledge gained from this study, scientists can now focus on creating microbicides that consider the impact of semen, bringing us closer to more effective prevention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lukas Wettstein
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tatjana Weil
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philipp Schommers
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, University Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Peng X, Zhu B. Different features identified by machine learning associated with the HIV compartmentalization in semen. Infect Genet Evol 2022; 98:105224. [PMID: 35081465 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetic compartmentalization in semen has been observed in previous studies. However, genetic signatures associated with compartmentalization in semen are only beginning to be explored. A total of 2071 partial HIV env sequences for paired blood and semen specimens were collected from 42 persons with HIV (24 for subtype B, 18 for subtype C). The HIV sequences datasets of subtype B and C were then divided to compartmentalization group and no-compartmentalization group by using the genetic compartmentalization tests. These datasets were used to construct a machine learning (ML) metadataset. AAIndex metrics were adopted as quantitative measures of the biophysicochemical properties of each amino acid. Five algorithm tests were applied, all of which are implemented in the caret package. For Subtype B, the accuracy for the compartmentalization group is 0.87 (range: 0.80-0.92), 0.69 (range: 0.58-0.79) for the no-compartmentlization group. The similar results were also showed in subtype C. The accuracy for the compartmentalization group is 0.74 (range: 0.64-0.83), 0.50 (range: 0.39-0.61) for the no-compartmentlization. The model identified six env features most significant in distinguishing between proviruses in blood and semen in subtype B and C. These features are related to CD4 binding, glycosylation sites and coreceptor selection, which further associated with the viral compartmentalization in semen. In summary, we describe a machine learning model that distinguishes semen-tropic virus based on env sequences and identify six different important features. These ML approach and models can help us better understand the semen-tropic virus phenotype, and therefore its reservoir component, guiding a new study direction toward eradication of the HIV reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003 Hangzhou, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003 Hangzhou, China.
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3
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Rashid MU, Lao Y, Spicer V, Coombs KM. Zika Virus Infection of Sertoli Cells Alters Protein Expression Involved in Activated Immune and Antiviral Response Pathways, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020377. [PMID: 35215967 PMCID: PMC8878972 DOI: 10.3390/v14020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging virus, causes congenital brain abnormalities and Guillain–Barré syndrome. It is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, but infections are also linked to sexual transmissions. Infectious ZIKV has been isolated, and viral RNA has been detected in semen over a year after the onset of initial symptoms, but the mode of long-term persistence is not yet understood. ZIKV can proliferate in human Sertoli cells (HSerC) for several weeks in vitro, suggesting that it might be a reservoir for persistent ZIKV infection. This study determined proteomic changes in HSerC during ZIKV infections by TMT-mass spectrometry analysis. Levels of 4416 unique Sertoli cell proteins were significantly altered at 3, 5, and 7 days after ZIKV infection. The significantly altered proteins include enzymes, transcription regulators, transporters, kinases, peptidases, transmembrane receptors, cytokines, ion channels, and growth factors. Many of these proteins are involved in pathways associated with antiviral response, antigen presentation, and immune cell activation. Several immune response pathway proteins were significantly activated during infection, e.g., interferon signaling, T cell receptor signaling, IL-8 signaling, and Th1 signaling. The altered protein levels were linked to predicted activation of immune response in HSerC, which was predicted to suppress ZIKV infection. ZIKV infection also affected the levels of critical regulators of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis pathways such as phosphoglycerate mutase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and enolase. Interestingly, many significantly altered proteins were associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which may induce heart failure in infected patients. In summary, our research contributes to a better understanding of ZIKV replication dynamics and infection in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-ur Rashid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ying Lao
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Victor Spicer
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The University of Manitoba, Room 543 Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Room 799, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; (Y.L.); (V.S.)
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Room 513, John Buhler Research Centre, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
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Delaroche L, Bertine M, Oger P, Descamps D, Damond F, Genauzeau E, Meicler P, Le Hingrat Q, Lamazou F, Gschwind R, Ruppé E, Visseaux B. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa pellet of COVID-19 patients in the acute stage of infection. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260187. [PMID: 34905541 PMCID: PMC8670700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, there is limited information about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen especially in the acute phase of the infection. While available data from cohort studies including a total of 342 patients in the acute or recovery phase of the infection are reassuring, one study mentioned detecting virus in the semen of 6/38 COVID-19 patients. Here we assessed SARS-CoV-2 presence in the semen of COVID-19 positive patients in the acute stage of infection, within 24 hours of the positive nasopharyngeal swabs. Semen, seminal plasma and spermatozoa pellet were screened for SARS-CoV-2 and manual or airborne contamination during semen sampling. Among the 32 COVID-19 volunteers, the median interval from the onset of symptoms to semen collection was 4 days [IQR: 0-8]. Only one presented positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in semen and seminal plasma fractions, although the spermatozoa pellet was negative. Viral cultures were all negative. We observed slightly higher concentrations of bacterial DNA in the SARS-CoV-2 positive specimen than in all negative samples. The bacteria identified neither confirm nor rule out contamination by oropharyngeal secretions during collection. SARS-CoV-2 was rarely present in semen during the acute phase of the disease. This very rare situation could be connected to oral or manual contamination during semen collection. The possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen calls for nasopharyngeal viral testing and strict hygiene protocols during semen collection before assisted reproductive attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Delaroche
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Mélanie Bertine
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Oger
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Diane Descamps
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Florence Damond
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Genauzeau
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
- Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Philippe Meicler
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Quentin Le Hingrat
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Lamazou
- Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, Institut Fertilité Maternité Parly 2, Le Chesnay, France
| | | | - Etienne Ruppé
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Visseaux
- Université de Paris, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France
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Paoli D, Pallotti F, Nigro G, Mazzuti L, Hirsch MN, Valli MB, Colangelo S, Mastroianni CM, Antonelli G, Lenzi A, Turriziani O, Lombardo F. Molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2675-2684. [PMID: 33929709 PMCID: PMC8085093 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to relevant repercussions on reproductive medicine, we aimed to evaluate feasibility of RT-PCR as a detection method of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in seminal fluid. METHODS A qualitative determination of the RT-PCR assays in semen was performed through different approaches: (1) efficiency of RNA extraction from sperm and seminal plasma was determined using PRM1 and PRM2 mRNA and a heterologous system as control; (2) samples obtained by diluting viral preparation from a SARS-CoV-2 panel (virus cultured in Vero E6 cell lines) were tested; (3) viral presence in different fractions of seminal fluid (whole sample, seminal plasma and post-centrifugation pellet) was evaluated. Semen samples from mild and recovered COVID-19 subjects were collected by patients referring to the Infectious Disease Department of the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital - "Sapienza" University of Rome. Control subjects were recruited at the Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini'' of the same hospital. RESULTS The control panel using viral preparations diluted in saline and seminal fluid showed the capability to detect viral RNA presence with Ct values depending on the initial viral concentration. All tested semen samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2, regardless of the nasopharyngeal swab result or seminal fluid fraction. CONCLUSION These preliminary data show that RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing appears to be a feasible method for the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid, supported by results of the control panel. The ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 in semen is extremely important for reproductive medicine, especially in assisted reproductive technology and sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G. Nigro
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L. Mazzuti
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M. N. Hirsch
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M. B. Valli
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI (Istituto Nazionale Per Le Malattie Infettive), “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Colangelo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C. M. Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - O. Turriziani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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Jaworek H, Koudelakova V, Oborna I, Zborilova B, Brezinova J, Ruzickova D, Vrbkova J, Kourilova P, Hajduch M. Impact of human papillomavirus infection on semen parameters and reproductive outcomes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:156. [PMID: 34627284 PMCID: PMC8501609 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00840-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to adversely affect human reproduction. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men and its correlation with semen parameters and reproductive outcomes. METHODS Semen samples and penile swabs were collected from potential sperm donors (SD, n = 97) and male partners of infertile couples (IM, n = 328). The presence of HPV DNA in semen samples and penile swabs was analyzed. Associations between hrHPV positive status and fertility outcomes as well as socio-behavioral and health characteristics were evaluated using the R software package. RESULTS High-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes were detected in 28.9% of SD and 35.1% of IM (P = 0.312). Penile swabs were more frequently positive for hrHPV genotypes than semen samples in both IM (32.3% vs. 11.9%, P < 0.001) and SD (26.8% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.006). Men with hrHPV positive semen samples had lower semen volume (median volume 2.5 ml vs. 3 ml, P = 0.009), sperm concentration (median concentration 16 × 106/ml vs. 31 × 106/ml, P = 0.009) and total sperm count (median count 46 × 106 vs. 82 × 106, P = 0.009) than men with hrHPV negative samples. No association was identified between penile hrHPV status and semen parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that penile HPV infection is common in both potential sperm donors and men from infertile couples. Although HPV positivity is higher in penile swabs, only HPV infection in semen samples affects sperm parameters. However, there was no association between hrHPV positivity in semen and fertility outcomes including abortion rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Jaworek
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimira Koudelakova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivana Oborna
- Fertimed Ltd., Boleslavova 2, 776 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
- SpermBank International, Katerinska 13, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Jana Brezinova
- SpermBank International, Katerinska 13, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Ruzickova
- Arleta IVF Ltd., Komenskeho 702, 517 41, Kostelec nad Orlici, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Vrbkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Kourilova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Su Q, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Chang S, Zhao P. Semen-Derived Exosomes Mediate Immune Escape and Transmission of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:735280. [PMID: 34659223 PMCID: PMC8517439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.735280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) causes immune-suppression disease in poultry, leading to a significant economic burden worldwide. Recent evidence demonstrated that the REV can enter the semen and then induce artificial insemination, but how the virus gets into semen was little known. Accumulating studies indicated that exosomes serve as vehicles for virus transmission, but the role of exosomes in viral shedding through the semen remains unclear. In this study, exosomes purified from the REV-positive semen were shown with reverse transcription-PCR and mass spectrometry to contain viral genomic RNA and viral proteins, which could also establish productive infections both in vivo and in vitro and escape from the REV-specific neutralizing antibodies. More importantly, compared with the infection caused by free virions, the exosome is more efficient for the virus to ensure effective infection and replication, which can also help the REV compromise the efficacy of the host immune response. In summary, this study demonstrated that semen-derived exosomes can medicate the transmission and immune escape of REV, implicating a novel mechanism for REV entering the semen and leading to vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Zhizhong Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Shuang Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
- Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Tai’an City, China
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Anifandis G, Taylor TH, Messini CI, Chatzimeletiou K, Daponte A, Ioannou D, Tempest HG. The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Sperm Cryostorage, Theoretical or Real Risk? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57090946. [PMID: 34577870 PMCID: PMC8467274 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human gametes and embryos as well as human reproductive tissues has been characterized as an essential process and aspect of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Notably, sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental aspect of cryopreservation in oncological patients or patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. Given that there is a risk of contamination or cross-contamination, either theoretical or real, during the procedures of cryopreservation and cryostorage, both the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) have provided updated guidelines for preventing or reducing the contamination risk of sexually transmitted viruses. Given the ongoing and worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, there is considerable interest in what measures should be taken to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 contamination during cryopreservation and cryostorage of semen samples. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the virus that causes COVID-19, and whose transmission and infection is mainly aerosol-mediated. Several ART professional societies, including ESHRE and ASRM have proposed measures to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Whether the proposed safety directives are enough to mitigate the possible SARS-CoV-2-contamination of sperm samples during cryopreservation or whether the policies should be re-evaluated will be discussed in this review. Additionally, insights regarding the possible impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the safety of sperm cryopreservation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41200 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6975865861
| | - Tyl H Taylor
- Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA;
| | - Christina I Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41200 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41200 Larisa, Greece; (C.I.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Dimitrios Ioannou
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (D.I.); (H.G.T.)
| | - Helen G Tempest
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (D.I.); (H.G.T.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- College of Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
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10
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the important role of sexual activity in most people's lives, in response to the question of whether the coronavirus is transmitted through sexual contact, this study was conducted to investigate the association of coronavirus transition with sexual contact. METHODS Based on the PRISMA checklist, we review published articles on sexual contact with the Corona virus until 15 February 2021. Electronic databases based on search strategy including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science was searched to identify relevant papers in English language. RESULTS Retrieved from 4671, 29 titles and abstracts articles screened, eight were excluded. There were 21 articles in the selection criteria. Of the 21 studies whose full text was read, only 5 studies stated that coronavirus was not transmitted through sexual contact, and 16 articles argued that sexual transmission of the virus could not be ignored. Most studies have confirmed the transmission of the virus through semen, but its transmission through vaginal secretions is unknown. CONCLUSION Transmission of the virus through semen should be taken seriously in patients and the necessary education should be given to men and their sexual partners. Health care providers need to increase their knowledge and awareness to provide the best practices to reduction the risks related to Covid-19 sexual transmission through counseling and appropriate approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Abdollahpour
- Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shapour Badiee Aval
- School of Persian complementary medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Talat Khadivzadeh
- Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Horvatits T, Wißmann JE, Johne R, Groschup MH, Gadicherla AK, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Eiden M, Todt D, Reimer R, Dähnert L, Schöbel A, Horvatits K, Lübke R, Wolschke C, Ayuk F, Rybczynski M, Lohse AW, Addo MM, Herker E, Lütgehetmann M, Steinmann E, Pischke S. Hepatitis E virus persists in the ejaculate of chronically infected men. J Hepatol 2021; 75:55-63. [PMID: 33484776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are prevalent worldwide. Various viruses have been detected in the ejaculate and can outlast the duration of viremia, indicating replication beyond the blood-testis barrier. HEV replication in diverse organs, however, is still widely misunderstood. We aimed to determine the occurrence, features and morphology of HEV in the ejaculate. METHODS The presence of HEV in testis was assessed in 12 experimentally HEV-genotype 3-infected pigs. We further tested ejaculate, urine, stool and blood from 3 chronically HEV genotype 3-infected patients and 6 immunocompetent patients with acute HEV infection by HEV-PCR. Morphology and genomic characterization of HEV particles from various human compartments were determined by HEV-PCR, density gradient measurement, immune-electron microscopy and genomic sequencing. RESULTS In 2 of the 3 chronically HEV-infected patients, we observed HEV-RNA (genotype 3c) in seminal plasma and semen with viral loads >2 logs higher than in the serum. Genomic sequencing showed significant differences between viral strains in the ejaculate compared to stool. Under ribavirin-treatment, HEV shedding in the ejaculate continued for >9 months following the end of viremia. Density gradient measurement and immune-electron microscopy characterized (enveloped) HEV particles in the ejaculate as intact. CONCLUSIONS The male reproductive system was shown to be a niche of HEV persistence in chronic HEV infection. Surprisingly, sequence analysis revealed distinct genetic HEV variants in the stool and serum, originating from the liver, compared to variants in the ejaculate originating from the male reproductive system. Enveloped HEV particles in the ejaculate did not morphologically differ from serum-derived HEV particles. LAY SUMMARY Enveloped hepatitis E virus particles could be identified by PCR and electron microscopy in the ejaculate of immunosuppressed chronically infected patients, but not in immunocompetent experimentally infected pigs or in patients with acute self-limiting hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Horvatits
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany.
| | - Jan-Erik Wißmann
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany; Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Ashish K Gadicherla
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany; Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Rudolph Reimer
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Dähnert
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany; Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Anja Schöbel
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karoline Horvatits
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rabea Lübke
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Wolschke
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francis Ayuk
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meike Rybczynski
- University Heart Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Eva Herker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany; Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- I. Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, with the Sections Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
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12
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Abstract
Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), a receptor for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to enter host cells, is widely expressed in testes and prostate tissues. The testis and prostate produce semen. At present, there are contradictory reports about whether SARS-CoV-2 can exist in the semen of infected men. Objective To provide a comprehensive overview of the topic of whether COVID-19 can impact on male reproductive system. Methods We reviewed the relevant publications on the possible impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproductive system and summarized the latest and most important research results so far. Literature published in English from December 2019 to January 31, 2021 regarding the existence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen, testis, and prostatic fluid and the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive were included. Results We identified 28 related studies, only one of which reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen. The study found that the semen quality of patients with moderate infection was lower than that of patients with mild infection and healthy controls. The impaired semen quality may be related to fever and inflammation. Pathological analysis of the testis/epididymis showed that SARS-CoV-2 viral particles were positive in 10 testicular samples, and the spermatogenic function of the testis was impaired. All 94 expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion The likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of COVID-19 patients is very small, and semen should rarely be regarded as a carrier of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. However, COVID-19 may cause testicular spermatogenic dysfunction via immune or inflammatory reactions. Long-term follow-up is needed for COVID-19 male patients and fetuses conceived during the father's infection period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei He
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junlin Ren
- Department of Infection Control, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Cadre Clinic of the Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Scientific Research and Training Office, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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De Clercq K, Vandaele L, Vanbinst T, Riou M, Deblauwe I, Wesselingh W, Pinard A, Van Eetvelde M, Boulesteix O, Leemans B, Gélineau R, Vercauteren G, Van der Heyden S, Beckers JF, Saegerman C, Sammin D, de Kruif A, De Leeuw I. Transmission of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 8 by Artificial Insemination with Frozen-Thawed Semen from Naturally Infected Bulls. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040652. [PMID: 33918924 PMCID: PMC8069090 DOI: 10.3390/v13040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of bluetongue (BT) virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) via artificial insemination of contaminated frozen semen from naturally infected bulls was investigated in two independent experiments. Healthy, BT negative heifers were hormonally synchronized and artificially inseminated at oestrus. In total, six groups of three heifers received semen from four batches derived from three bulls naturally infected with BTV-8. Each experiment included one control heifer that was not inseminated and that remained BT negative throughout. BTV viraemia and seroconversion were determined in 8 out of 18 inseminated heifers, and BTV was isolated from five of these animals. These eight heifers only displayed mild clinical signs of BT, if any at all, but six of them experienced pregnancy loss between weeks four and eight of gestation, and five of them became BT PCR and antibody positive. The other two infected heifers gave birth at term to two healthy and BT negative calves. The BT viral load varied among the semen batches used and this had a significant impact on the infection rate, the time of onset of viraemia post artificial insemination, and the gestational stage at which pregnancy loss occurred. These results, which confirm unusual features of BTV-8 infection, should not be extrapolated to infection with other BTV strains without thorough evaluation. This study also adds weight to the hypothesis that the re-emergence of BTV-8 in France in 2015 may be attributable to the use of contaminated bovine semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris De Clercq
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Tine Vanbinst
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
| | - Mickaël Riou
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Wendy Wesselingh
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Anne Pinard
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Olivier Boulesteix
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Robert Gélineau
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Griet Vercauteren
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Sara Van der Heyden
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Jean-François Beckers
- Département des Sciences Fonctionnelles (DSF), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4130 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Donal Sammin
- Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, W23 X3PH Co. Kildare, Ireland;
| | - Aart de Kruif
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Ilse De Leeuw
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
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14
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Burke CA, Skytte AB, Kasiri S, Howell D, Patel ZP, Trolice MP, Parekattil SJ, Michael SF, Paul LM. A cohort study of men infected with COVID-19 for presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in their semen. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:785-789. [PMID: 33660204 PMCID: PMC7928181 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be detected in semen and transmitted sexually is a vital question that has, thus far, been inconclusive. Prior studies, with limited numbers, have included men in various stages of infection with most in the recovery phase of the illness. The timing of test results and severity of illness has made recruiting study participants a significant challenge. Our pilot study will examine semen from men with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as those in the convalescent phase to determine if SARS-CoV-2 can be detected and its relationship, if any, with the severity of the disease. METHODS Eighteen men with a median age of 32 (range, 24-57) who tested positive for COVID-19 by rt-PCR analysis were enrolled and provided a semen sample. The study group demonstrated symptoms of COVID-19 ranging from asymptomatic to moderate and none required hospitalization. Samples were subjected to viral RNA extraction and then processed by real-time RT-PCR using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA) panel of 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) primers and probes to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. RESULTS Length of time from diagnosis to providing a specimen ranged from 1 to 28 days (median, 6 days). Fifteen participants were symptomatic and three were asymptomatic, including recovering men, at the time of semen collection. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected in any of the semen samples. CONCLUSION Based on these preliminary results and consistent with prior findings, we suggest SARS-CoV-2 is not present in semen during the acute or convalescent phase of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A. Burke
- Cryos International USA, 2200 N Alafaya TR, Suite 550, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - AB Skytte
- Cryos International DK, Vesterbro Torv 3, 5th Floor, Aarhus C, DK-8000 UK
| | - Saghar Kasiri
- Cryos International DK, Vesterbro Torv 3, 5th Floor, Aarhus C, DK-8000 UK
| | - Dixie Howell
- Cryos International USA, 2200 N Alafaya TR, Suite 550, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
| | - Zamip P. Patel
- Cryos International USA, 2200 N Alafaya TR, Suite 550, Orlando, FL 32826 USA
- Advent Health Urology, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Mark P. Trolice
- Fertility Care: The IVF Center Orlando, 5901 Brick Cr, Winter Park, FL 32792 USA
| | - Sijo J. Parekattil
- Avant Concierge Urology, 15548 W. Colonial Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 USA
| | - Scott F. Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Ft. Myers, FL 33965 USA
| | - Lauren M. Paul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd South, Ft. Myers, FL 33965 USA
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15
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Temiz MZ, Dincer MM, Hacibey I, Yazar RO, Celik C, Kucuk SH, Alkurt G, Doganay L, Yuruk E, Muslumanoglu AY. Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in semen samples and the effects of COVID-19 on male sexual health by using semen analysis and serum male hormone profile: A cross-sectional, pilot study. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13912. [PMID: 33244788 PMCID: PMC7744846 DOI: 10.1111/and.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study investigated whether there is a male reproductive system coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) phenomenon. Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study between April and May 2020. The participants were assigned in one of the three groups including COVID-19 patients before and after treatment, and controls. Presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within the semen samples was investigated. Additionally, participant's demographics, semen parameters and serum sex hormone levels were compared between the groups. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected within the semen samples. Sperm morphology and serum sex hormone levels were significantly different between the groups. In the post hoc analysis, sperm morphology was significantly lower in the COVID-19 patients. Patients before treatment had significantly lower serum FSH, LH and T levels than controls. However, patients after treatment had similar serum FSH, LH and T levels with controls and patients before treatment. In our opinion, COVID-19 and its treatment had no specific deteriorative effect on male sexual health at a short-time period. In the patients before treatment, decreased serum of T, FSH and LH levels was consistent with acute patient stress due to COVID-19. Similarly, it seems that decreased sperm morphology was associated with the acute fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Zafer Temiz
- Department of UrologyBagcilar Training and Research HospitalBagcilar/IstanbulTurkey
| | | | - Ibrahim Hacibey
- Department of UrologyBagcilar Training and Research HospitalBagcilar/IstanbulTurkey
| | - Ramazan Omer Yazar
- Department of UrologyBagcilar Training and Research HospitalBagcilar/IstanbulTurkey
| | - Cengiz Celik
- Department of UrologyBagcilar Training and Research HospitalBagcilar/IstanbulTurkey
| | - Suat Hayri Kucuk
- Department of BiochemistryBagcilar Training and Research HospitalBagcilar/IstanbulTurkey
| | - Gizem Alkurt
- Genomic Laboratory (GLAB)Umraniye Training and Research HospitalElmalikentTurkey
| | - Levent Doganay
- Genomic Laboratory (GLAB)Umraniye Training and Research HospitalElmalikentTurkey
| | - Emrah Yuruk
- Department of UrologyBHT Clinic Istanbul Tema HospitalKücükcekmece/IstanbulTurkey
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16
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Chen R, Zhang W, Gong M, Wang F, Wu H, Liu W, Gao Y, Liu B, Chen S, Lu W, Yu X, Liu A, Han R, Chen Y, Han D. Characterization of an Antiviral Component in Human Seminal Plasma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:580454. [PMID: 33679733 PMCID: PMC7933687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.580454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous types of viruses have been found in human semen, which raises concerns about the sexual transmission of these viruses. The overall effect of semen on viral infection and transmission have yet to be fully investigated. In the present study, we aimed at the effect of seminal plasma (SP) on viral infection by focusing on the mumps viral (MuV) infection of HeLa cells. MuV efficiently infected HeLa cells in vitro. MuV infection was strongly inhibited by the pre-treatment of viruses with SP. SP inhibited MuV infection through the impairment of the virus's attachment to cells. The antiviral activity of SP was resistant to the treatment of SP with boiling water, Proteinase K, RNase A, and DNase I, suggesting that the antiviral factor would not be proteins and nucleic acids. PNGase or PLA2 treatments did not abrogate the antiviral effect of SP against MuV. Further, we showed that the prostatic fluid (PF) showed similar inhibition as SP, whereas the epididymal fluid and seminal vesicle extract did not inhibit MuV infection. Both SP and PF also inhibited MuV infection of other cell types, including another human cervical carcinoma cell line C33a, mouse primary epididymal epithelial cells, and Sertoli cell line 15P1. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was not specific to MuV, as the herpes simplex virus 1, dengue virus 2, and adenovirus 5 infections were also inhibited by SP and PF. Our findings suggest that SP contains a prostate-derived pan-antiviral factor that may limit the sexual transmission of various viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maolei Gong
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiao Gao
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxing Liu
- Department of Andrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Song Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aijie Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiqin Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Weinberg M, Sar-Shalom Nahshon C, Feferkorn I, Bornstein J. Evaluation of human papilloma virus in semen as a risk factor for low sperm quality and poor in vitro fertilization outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2021; 113:955-969.e4. [PMID: 32386620 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of human papilloma virus (HPV) sperm infection on sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENTS Men with HPV sperm infection and couples undergoing IVF. INTERVENTIONS Searches were conducted in the following databases: Medline(R), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopos, and the Cochrane Library. We included studies examining sperm parameters and IVF results in patients with and without HPV sperm infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sperm analysis (concertation, count, volume, motility, morphology), according to the World Health Organization manual, pregnancy rate (PR), and miscarriage rate (MR). RESULTS Sixteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. The presence of HPV had a significant association with impaired sperm parameters in terms of concentration (mean difference [MD] -4.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 6.12 to -2.83), motility (MD -11.71, 95% CI - 16.15 to -7.26), and morphology (MD -2.44, 95% CI - 4.08 to -0.79. A review of the literature regarding ART outcomes showed an association between HPV infection and decreased PR, and an even stronger association between HPV infection and increased MR. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis shows a negative effect of HPV on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Further subgroup and categorical analysis confirmed the clinical significance of impaired sperm motility in HPV-infected sperm, although the sperm count and morphology must be carefully analyzed. The studies reviewed reported lower PR and increased MR in couples with HPV-infected sperm. As most studies had a moderate risk of bias, these observations warrant further large, well-designed studies before introducing clinical management recommendations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019127419.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Weinberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Chen Sar-Shalom Nahshon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology - IVF, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Bruce & Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Ido Feferkorn
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology - IVF, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Bruce & Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jacob Bornstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Nahariya, Israel
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Morelli F, Meirelles LEDF, de Souza MVF, Mari NL, Mesquita CSS, Dartibale CB, Damke GMZF, Damke E, da Silva VRS, Souza RP, Consolaro MEL. COVID-19 Infection in the Human Reproductive Tract of Men and Nonpregnant Women. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:814-825. [PMID: 33534765 PMCID: PMC7941816 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA virus, classified as a beta coronavirus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), reported as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor, is expressed in different human tissues (lung, intestine, and kidney) and in the testis, ovaries, uterus, and vagina. This suggests a potential risk to the human reproductive tract in COVID-19 patients. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in the blood, urine, facial/anal swabs, semen, and vaginal secretion, suggesting other potential means of transmission. However, little has been reported about SARS-CoV-2 infection in the male and nonpregnant female reproductive tracts, which may provide direct evidence on sexual transmission and fertility problems. Therefore, we focused this narrative review mainly on the distribution of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the male and nonpregnant female reproductive tracts, providing an overview of the potential threat of COVID-19 to reproductive health and sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcia E. L. Consolaro
- Address correspondence to Marcia E. L. Consolaro, Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Laboratory of Clinical Cytology and Semen Analysis, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Zona 7, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil. E-mail:
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Ferreira Gröner
- Universidade Federal de São PauloDisciplina de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Renata Cristina de Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de São PauloDisciplina de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Jacqueline Camillo
- Universidade Federal de São PauloDisciplina de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paulo Roberto Abrão Ferreira
- Universidade Federal de São PauloDisciplina de InfectologiaDepartamento de MedicinaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Medicina, Disciplina de Infectologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Renato Fraietta
- Universidade Federal de São PauloDisciplina de UrologiaDepartamento de CirurgiaSão PauloSPBrasilDepartamento de Cirurgia, Disciplina de Urologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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20
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Paoli D, Pallotti F, Colangelo S, Basilico F, Mazzuti L, Turriziani O, Antonelli G, Lenzi A, Lombardo F. Study of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and urine samples of a volunteer with positive naso-pharyngeal swab. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1819-1822. [PMID: 32329026 PMCID: PMC7179792 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan in 2019 has started a pandemic which has involved over a million people worldwide. A matter of debate is the possible viral detection in different body fluids than respiratory droplets. Thus, we evaluated the possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and urine samples of a volunteer with confirmed COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 31-year-old man with fever, myalgia, anosmia, and ageusia was tested and found positive for SARS-CoV-2 through a pharyngeal swab. Eight days after he provided semen and urine samples in which viral RNA presence was measured using a Real time RT PCR system (RealStar SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, Altona Diagnostics) targeting E and S viral genes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Semen and urine samples search for SARS-CoV-2 RNA was negative. Although this should be interpreted cautiously, it may be possible that either the viral clearance kinetics in these matrices matches the progressive clinical recovery of the patient or that the virus was never present in these fluids at the time of the laboratory diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - S. Colangelo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Basilico
- Vascular and Interventional Unit, Department of Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L. Mazzuti
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - O. Turriziani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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21
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Abstract
HIV-1 persists indefinitely in multiple cellular reservoirs despite antiretroviral therapy. We previously demonstrated HIV-1 compartmentalization in kidney and urine. Here, we further characterized viruses in urine and when available, compared them to those present in semen from HIV-1 positive participants with detectable plasma viremia to further understand the viral dynamics in the upper and lower genitourinary tract.Blood and urine samples were obtained from 19 HIV-1 positive participants. Simultaneous semen samples were obtained from 16 of the 19 participants. HIV-1 envelope (env) gene sequences were obtained by single-genome amplification (SGA) and neighbor-joining trees were constructed using the Kimura 2-parameter model.HIV-1 env gene sequences were amplified from blood in 19/19 (100%) participants, urine in 18/19 (95%) participants, and semen in 12/16 (75%). In individuals from which both urine and semen samples were obtained, differences in viral shedding between the 2 sources were observed, where HIV-1 env sequences could only be amplified from either urine or semen. Longitudinal phylogenetic analysis of urine-derived env sequences from 1 participant demonstrated that urine clusters distinct from blood are maintained over time (20 weeks), consistent with viral compartmentalization and local replication. Comparison of urine and semen derived sequences demonstrated either virus compartmentalization or equilibration.Our results demonstrate that when present, viral compartmentalization in urine persists over time. Comparison of timing of viral shedding in urine and semen samples from our cohort suggest different viral kinetics between the upper and lower genitourinary tract and sequence analysis suggests that HIV-1 populations in urine and semen can either be imported from blood or produced locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Stadtler
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wescott
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelly Hughes
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jerry Chang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mary Klotman
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Blasi
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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22
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Patel KP, Vunnam SR, Patel PA, Krill KL, Korbitz PM, Gallagher JP, Suh JE, Vunnam RR. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: an update of current literature. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:2005-2011. [PMID: 32638221 PMCID: PMC7339796 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, has caused a public health emergency. The need for additional research in viral pathogenesis is essential as the number of cases and deaths rise. Understanding the virus and its ability to cause disease has been the main focus of current literature; however, there is much unknown. Studies have revealed new findings related to the full transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent ability to cause infection by different means. The virus is hypothesized to be of increased virulence compared with previous coronavirus that caused epidemics, in part due to its overall structural integrity and resilience to inactivation. To date, many studies have discussed that the rationale behind its transmission potential is that viral RNA has unexpectedly been detected in multiple bodily fluids, with some samples having remained positive for extended periods of time. Additionally, the receptor by which the virus gains cellular entry, ACE2, has been found to be expressed in different human body systems, thereby potentiating its infection in those locations. In this evidence-based comprehensive review, we discuss various potential routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2-respiratory/droplet, indirect, fecal-oral, vertical, sexual, and ocular. Understanding these different routes is important as they pertain to clinical practice, especially in taking preventative measures to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishan P Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Srinivas R Vunnam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Puja A Patel
- Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Kaleigh L Krill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Parker M Korbitz
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - John P Gallagher
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jane E Suh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rama R Vunnam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
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23
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Hughes CS, Brown J, Murombedzi C, Chirenda T, Chareka G, Mhlanga F, Mateveke B, Gitome S, Makurumure T, Matubu A, Mgodi N, Chirenje Z, Kahn JG. Estimated costs for the delivery of safer conception strategies for HIV-discordant couples in Zimbabwe: a cost analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:940. [PMID: 33046066 PMCID: PMC7552466 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, safer conception strategies have been developed to help HIV-serodiscordant couples conceive a child without transmitting HIV to the seronegative partner. The SAFER clinical trial assessed implementation of these strategies in Zimbabwe. METHODS As a part of the SAFER study, we estimated the costs (in 2017 $US) associated with individual and combination strategies, in the trial setting and real-world practice, from a healthcare system perspective. Safer conception strategies included: 1) ART with frequent viral load testing until achieving undetectable viral load (ART-VL); 2) daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); 3) semen-washing with intrauterine insemination; and 4) manual self-insemination at home. For costs in the trial, we used a micro-costing approach, including a time and motion study to quantify personnel effort, and estimated the cost per couple for individual and combination strategies for a mean of 6 months of safer services. For real-world practice, we modeled costs for three implementation scenarios, representing differences from the trial in input prices (paid by the Ministry of Health and Child Care [MOHCC]), intervention intensity, and increments to current HIV prevention and treatment practices and guidelines. We used one-way sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of uncertainty in input variables. RESULTS Individual strategy costs were $769-$1615 per couple in the trial; $185-$563 if using MOHCC prices. Under the target intervention intensity and using MOHCC prices, individual strategy costs were $73-$360 per couple over and above the cost of current HIV clinical practices. The cost of delivering the most commonly selected combination, ART-VL plus PrEP, ranged from $166-$517 per couple under the three real-world scenarios. Highest costs were for personnel, lab tests, and strategy-specific consumables, in variable proportions by clinical strategy and analysis scenario. Total costs were most affected by uncertainty in the price of PrEP, number of semen-washing attempts, and scale-up of semen-washing capacity. CONCLUSIONS Safer conception methods have costs that may be affordable in many low-resource settings. These cost data will help implementers and policymakers add safer conception services. Cost-effectiveness analysis is needed to assess value for money for safer conception services overall and for safer strategy combinations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry Name: Clinicaltrials.gov. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03049176 . Registration date: February 9, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Smith Hughes
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, 94158, USA.
| | - Joelle Brown
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Caroline Murombedzi
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Thandiwe Chirenda
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gift Chareka
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Felix Mhlanga
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Serah Gitome
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Allen Matubu
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nyaradzo Mgodi
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Zvavahera Chirenje
- College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - James G Kahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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24
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Tompkins K, Brown J, Tozay S, Reeves E, Pewu K, Johnson H, Williams G, Conneh T, Diggs J, DeMarco J, King K, McMillian D, Merenbloom C, Fischer W, Wohl DA. The impact of semen testing for Ebola virus RNA on sexual behavior of male Ebola survivors in Liberia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008556. [PMID: 32925964 PMCID: PMC7515181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual transmission of Ebola virus (EBOV) is well established and has been implicated in multiple resurgences during the West African Ebola epidemic. Given the persistence of viral RNA in semen, guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend abstinence or condom use for at least 1 year or until two semen PCR tests are negative. To better understand the impact of semen testing on sexual behavior, male EVD survivors were surveyed regarding their sexual behavior before and after semen testing. Of the 171 men who enrolled, 148 reported being sexually active following discharge from an ETU with 59% reporting episodes of condomless sex. At least one semen sample for testing was provided by 149 men and 13 of these men had EBOV RNA detected in their semen. When comparing sexual behaviors before and after semen testing, a positive semen test result had limited impact on behavior. Of those with seminal EBOV RNA detected, 61% reported no change in behavior pre- and post-semen testing with 46% engaging in condomless sex before and after testing and only 1 adopted safer sex behaviors following receipt of a positive result. Similarly, among men with undetectable EBOV in their semen, 66% reported no change in sexual behaviors with semen testing, with 55% forgoing condoms during sex. In only 11% was a negative semen result followed by abandoning condoms. There were no known sexual transmission events of Ebola virus in this cohort despite viral presence in semen during periods of condomless sex. This highlights the need to better understand the infectious potential of viral RNA persistence and determine what constitutes effective counseling for survivors and their partners. Ebola virus (EBOV) is established as a sexually transmitted infection, however there is limited information on the sexual behaviors of Ebola survivors. We surveyed a cohort of male Ebola survivors regarding sexual activity and condom use and offered semen testing to assess EBOV persistence in semen. We found that a large majority of men who were sexually active prior to contracting Ebola Virus Disease remained sexually active after their recovery with most reporting only intermittent condom use. Semen testing for the presence of Ebola virus had limited impact on sexual behaviors, with most continuing to report engaging in condomless sex whether EBOV was detected or not. This finding has implications for use of semen testing for outbreak control as well as counseling for Ebola survivors and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Tompkins
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jerry Brown
- The John F. Kennedy Hospital, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Sam Tozay
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Edwina Reeves
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Korto Pewu
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Harrietta Johnson
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Gerald Williams
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Tonia Conneh
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Joseph Diggs
- The University of North Carolina Liberia Project, Paynesville, Liberia
| | - Jean DeMarco
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine King
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Darrius McMillian
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carson Merenbloom
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William Fischer
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Alain Wohl
- The Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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25
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Mjaess G, Karam A, Aoun F, Albisinni S, Roumeguère T. COVID-19 and the male susceptibility: the role of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and the androgen receptor. Prog Urol 2020; 30:484-487. [PMID: 32620366 PMCID: PMC7242948 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is the pandemic that hit the world starting December 2019. Recent studies and international statistics have shown an increased prevalence, morbidity as well as mortality of this disease in male patients compared to female patients. The aim of this brief communication is to describe the pathophysiology of this sex-discrepancy, based on the infectivity mechanism of the coronavirus including the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the Type II transmembrane Serine Protease (TMPRSS2), and the androgen receptor. This could help understand the susceptibility of urological patients, especially those receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, and testosterone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mjaess
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A Karam
- Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - F Aoun
- Hotel-Dieu de France, University of Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon; Urology Department, Institut Jules-Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Albisinni
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T Roumeguère
- Urology Department, University Clinics of Brussels, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Urology Department, Institut Jules-Bordet, Brussels, Belgium.
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26
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Blitvich BJ, Magalhaes T, Laredo-Tiscareño SV, Foy BD. Sexual Transmission of Arboviruses: A Systematic Review. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090933. [PMID: 32854298 PMCID: PMC7552039 DOI: 10.3390/v12090933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J. Blitvich
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-515-294-9861; Fax: +1-515-294-8500
| | - Tereza Magalhaes
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.M.); (B.D.F.)
| | - S. Viridiana Laredo-Tiscareño
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | - Brian D. Foy
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (T.M.); (B.D.F.)
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27
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Gianella S, Chaillon A, Chun TW, Sneller MC, Ignacio C, Vargas-Meneses MV, Caballero G, Ellis RJ, Kovacs C, Benko E, Huibner S, Kaul R. HIV RNA Rebound in Seminal Plasma after Antiretroviral Treatment Interruption. J Virol 2020; 94:e00415-20. [PMID: 32434884 PMCID: PMC7375368 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00415-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
If strategies currently in development succeed in eradicating HIV reservoirs in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues, residual sources of virus may remain in anatomic compartments. Paired blood and semen samples were collected from 12 individuals enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled therapeutic vaccine clinical trial in people with HIV (PWH) who began antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute or early infection (ClinicalTrials registration no. NCT01859325). After the week 56 visit (postintervention), all participants interrupted ART. At the first available time points after viral rebound, we sequenced HIV-1 env (C2-V3), gag (p24), and pol (reverse transcriptase) regions amplified from cell-free HIV RNA in blood and seminal plasma using the MiSeq Illumina platform. Comprehensive sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed to evaluate viral population structure, compartmentalization, and viral diversity in blood and seminal plasma. Compared to that in blood, HIV RNA rebound in semen occurred significantly later (median of 66 versus 42 days post-ART interruption, P < 0.01) and reached lower levels (median 164 versus 16,090 copies/ml, P < 0.01). Three of five participants with available sequencing data presented compartmentalized viral rebound between blood and semen in one HIV coding region. Despite early ART initiation, HIV RNA molecular diversity was higher in semen than in blood in all three coding regions for most participants. Higher HIV RNA molecular diversity in the genital tract (compared to that in blood plasma) and evidence of compartmentalization illustrate the distinct evolutionary dynamics between these two compartments after ART interruption. Future research should evaluate whether the genital compartment might contribute to viral rebound in some PWH interrupting ART.IMPORTANCE To cure HIV, we likely need to target the reservoirs in all anatomic compartments. Here, we used sophisticated statistical and phylogenetic methods to analyze blood and semen samples collected from 12 persons with HIV who began antiretroviral therapy (ART) during very early HIV infection and who interrupted their ART as part of a clinical trial. First, we found that HIV RNA rebound in semen occurred significantly later and reached lower levels than in blood. Second, we found that the virus in semen was genetically different in some participants compared to that in blood. Finally, we found increased HIV RNA molecular diversity in semen compared to that in blood in almost all study participants. These data suggest that the HIV RNA populations emerging from the genital compartment after ART interruption might not be the same as those emerging from blood plasma. Future research should evaluate whether the genital compartment might contribute to viral rebound in some people with HIV (PWH) interrupting ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gianella
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Tae-Wook Chun
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael C Sneller
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Gemma Caballero
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Colin Kovacs
- Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika Benko
- Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanja Huibner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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José FG, González JGÁ, Molina JMC, Arnau LB, Iribarren IM, Jabaloyas JMM, Rico FM, García-Baquero R, Gayá MR, García EL, López CL, Castro RP, Salamanca JIM. [SARS-CoV-2 infection: implications for sexual and reproductive health. A position statement of the Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva (ASESA)]. Rev Int Androl 2020; 18:117-123. [PMID: 32660697 PMCID: PMC7351068 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of this revision is to summarize the current existing evidence of the potential adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the male reproductive system and provide the recommendations of the Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva (ASESA) concerning the implications of COVID-19 infection in the management of male infertilty patients and testicular endocrine dysfunction. METHODS A comprehensive systematic literature search of the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, Cochrane and MedRxiv, was carried out. RESULTS The presence of orchitis as a potential complication of the infection by SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been confirmed. One study reported that 19% of males with COVID-19 infection had scrotal symptoms suggestive of viral orchitis which could not be confirmed. It is possible that the virus, rather than infecting the testes directly, may induce a secondary autoimmune response leading to autoimmune orchitis. COVID-19 has been associated with coagulation disorders and thus the orchitis could be the result of segmental vasculitis. Existing data concerning the presence of the virus in semen are contradictory. Only one study reported the presence of RNA in 15.8% of patients with COVID-19. However, the presence of nucleic acid or antigen in semen is not synonyms of viral replication capacity and infectivity. It has been reported an increase in serum levels of LH in males with COVID-19 and a significant reduction in the T/LH and FSH/LH ratios, consistent with subclinical hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS The findings of recent reports related to the potential effects of COVID-19 infection on the male reproductive system are based on poorly designed, small sample size studies that provide inconclusive, contradictory results. Since there still exists a theoretical possibility of testicular damage and male infertilty as a result of the infection by COVID-19, males of reproductive age should be evaluated for gonadal function and semen analysis. With regard to the sexual transmission of the virus, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend asymptomatic couples to abstein from having sex in order to protect themselves from being infected by the virus. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function, including male fertility potential and endocrine testicular function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lluis Bassas Arnau
- Fundación Puigvert, Servicio de Andrologia, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rafael Prieto Castro
- Unidad de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva, Unidad Clínica de Urología, Hospital Regional Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, España
| | - Juan Ignacio Martinez Salamanca
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
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Suphaphiphat K, Tolazzi M, Hua S, Desjardins D, Lorin V, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Mouquet H, Scarlatti G, Grand RL, Cavarelli M. Broadly neutralizing antibodies potently inhibit cell-to-cell transmission of semen leukocyte-derived SHIV162P3. EBioMedicine 2020; 57:102842. [PMID: 32619962 PMCID: PMC7334370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 sexual transmission occurs mostly through infected semen, which contains both free virions and infected leukocytes. Transmission initiated by infected cells has been shown by several in vitro and in vivo studies and a reduced capacity of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to inhibit cell-to-cell transmission has also been reported. However, due to limitations of available experimental models, there is yet no clarity to which extend bNAbs can prevent transmission mediated by semen leukocytes. METHODS We developed a novel in vitro assay to measure cell-cell transmission that makes use of splenocytes or CD45+ semen leukocytes collected from acutely SHIV162P3-infected cynomolgus macaques. A panel of 11 bNAbs was used either alone or in combination to assess their inhibitory potential against both cell-free and cell-cell infection. FINDINGS Splenocytes and semen leucocytes displayed a similar proportion of CD4+T-cell subsets. Either cell type transferred infection in vitro to target TZM-bl cells and PBMCs. Moreover, infection of macaques was achieved following intravaginal challenge with splenocytes. The anti-N-glycans/V3 loop bNAb 10-1074 was highly efficient against cell-associated transmission mediated by infected spleen cells and its potency was maintained when transmission was mediated by CD45+ semen leukocytes. INTERPRETATION These results support the use of bNAbs in preventative or therapeutic studies aiming to block transmission events mediated not only by free viral particles but also by infected cells. Our experimental system could be used to predict in vivo efficacy of bNAbs. FUNDING This work was funded by the ANRS and the European Commission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karunasinee Suphaphiphat
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Monica Tolazzi
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stéphane Hua
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Delphine Desjardins
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Valerie Lorin
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1222, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Hugo Mouquet
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1222, Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger Le Grand
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Mariangela Cavarelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases ≫ (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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Seong JS, Kim H, Park WB, Kim NJ, Oh MD, Park SS, Park JS, Choi YM. Successful Pregnancy and Delivery with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in HIV-Serodiscordant Couple: the First Case in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e197. [PMID: 32597043 PMCID: PMC7324268 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With highly active antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered to be a manageable chronic disease. The improved prognosis increases the desire of individuals with HIV to have biological offspring. With the establishment of washing protocol, no HIV transmission has been reported among more than 11,000 assisted reproduction technology (ART) cycles. Although the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Prevention Act in Korea prevents the use of HIV-infected blood, organs, tissues and semen, we recently obtained the authentic approval from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the practice of ART in HIV-serodiscordant couples. We report a 32-year-old HIV-seronegative female with her husband who was HIV-1 seropositive. After semen washing was performed by means of a density gradient and the swim-up technique, HIV-1 ribonucleic acid was not detected in the semen. An aliquot of processed semen was cryopreserved before ART. None of 3 cycles of intrauterine insemination was successful. After the third frozen-thawed embryo transfer following two cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, an intrauterine singleton pregnancy was identified. She gave birth to a normal healthy male baby at full term by Cesarean section. She and her baby were tested for HIV during pregnancy and after delivery and the results were negative. Semen washing may be a safe ART method for HIV-serodiscordant couples who desire to have a baby in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Su Seong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wan Beom Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Joong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myoung-don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Sup Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Shin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Min Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Rashid MU, Zahedi-Amiri A, Glover KKM, Gao A, Nickol ME, Kindrachuk J, Wilkins JA, Coombs KM. Zika virus dysregulates human Sertoli cell proteins involved in spermatogenesis with little effect on tight junctions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008335. [PMID: 32511241 PMCID: PMC7279580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a neglected tropical disease until its re-emergence in 2007, causes microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Its re-emergence and spread to more than 80 countries led the World Health Organization in 2016 to declare a Public Health Emergency. ZIKV is mainly transmitted by mosquitos, but can persist in infected human male semen for prolonged periods and may be sexually transmitted. Testicular Sertoli cells support ZIKV replication and may be a reservoir for persistent ZIKV infection. Electrical impedance analyses indicated ZIKV infection rapidly disrupted Vero cell monolayers but had little effect upon human Sertoli cells (HSerC). We determined ZIKV-induced proteomic changes in HSerC using an aptamer-based multiplexed technique (SOMAscan) targeting >1300 human proteins. ZIKV infection caused differential expression of 299 proteins during three different time points, including 5 days after infection. Dysregulated proteins are involved in different bio-functions, including cell death and survival, cell cycle, maintenance of cellular function, cell signaling, cellular assembly, morphology, movement, molecular transport, and immune response. Many signaling pathways important for maintenance of HSerC function and spermatogenesis were highly dysregulated. These included IL-6, IGF1, EGF, NF-κB, PPAR, ERK/MAPK, and growth hormone signaling. Down-regulation of the PPAR signaling pathway might impact cellular energy supplies. Upstream molecule analysis also indicated microRNAs involved in germ cell development were downregulated by infection. Overall, this study leads to a better understanding of Sertoli cellular mechanisms used by ZIKV during persistent infection and possible ZIKV impacts on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-ur Rashid
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ali Zahedi-Amiri
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kathleen K. M. Glover
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ang Gao
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michaela E. Nickol
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jason Kindrachuk
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - John A. Wilkins
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Department of Internal Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- University of Manitoba, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics & Systems Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Kariuki SM, Selhorst P, Anthony C, Matten D, Abrahams MR, Martin DP, Ariën KK, Rebe K, Williamson C, Dorfman JR. Compartmentalization and Clonal Amplification of HIV-1 in the Male Genital Tract Characterized Using Next-Generation Sequencing. J Virol 2020; 94:e00229-20. [PMID: 32269124 PMCID: PMC7307092 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00229-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization of HIV-1 between the systemic circulation and the male genital tract may have a substantial impact on which viruses are available for sexual transmission to new hosts. We studied compartmentalization and clonal amplification of HIV-1 populations between the blood and the genital tract from 10 antiretroviral-naive men using Illumina MiSeq with a PrimerID approach. We found evidence of some degree of compartmentalization in every study participant, unlike previous studies, which collectively showed that only ∼50% of analyzed individuals exhibited compartmentalization of HIV-1 lineages between the male genital tract (MGT) and blood. Using down-sampling simulations, we determined that this disparity can be explained by differences in sampling depth in that had we sequenced to a lower depth, we would also have found compartmentalization in only ∼50% of the study participants. For most study participants, phylogenetic trees were rooted in blood, suggesting that the male genital tract reservoir is seeded by incoming variants from the blood. Clonal amplification was observed in all study participants and was a characteristic of both blood and semen viral populations. We also show evidence for independent viral replication in the genital tract in the individual with the most severely compartmentalized HIV-1 populations. The degree of clonal amplification was not obviously associated with the extent of compartmentalization. We were also unable to detect any association between history of sexually transmitted infections and level of HIV-1 compartmentalization. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics that affect the composition of virus populations that are available for transmission.IMPORTANCE Within an individual living with HIV-1, factors that restrict the movement of HIV-1 between different compartments-such as between the blood and the male genital tract-could strongly influence which viruses reach sites in the body from which they can be transmitted. Using deep sequencing, we found strong evidence of restricted HIV-1 movements between the blood and genital tract in all 10 men that we studied. We additionally found that neither the degree to which particular genetic variants of HIV-1 proliferate (in blood or genital tract) nor an individual's history of sexually transmitted infections detectably influenced the degree to which virus movements were restricted between the blood and genital tract. Last, we show evidence that viral replication gave rise to a large clonal amplification in semen in a donor with highly compartmentalized HIV-1 populations, raising the possibility that differential selection of HIV-1 variants in the genital tract may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mundia Kariuki
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Philippe Selhorst
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Colin Anthony
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Matten
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melissa-Rose Abrahams
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Darren P Martin
- Computational Biology Group, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Insitute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin Rebe
- Anova Health Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carolyn Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Insitute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey R Dorfman
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Holtmann N, Edimiris P, Andree M, Doehmen C, Baston-Buest D, Adams O, Kruessel JS, Bielfeld AP. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in human semen-a cohort study. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:233-238. [PMID: 32650948 PMCID: PMC7256599 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the presence of viral RNA in human semen of patients with severe acute-respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to evaluate its presence and relevance in semen parameters. Design Pilot cohort study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Thirty-four men were distributed as: 1) patients in convalescence (patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in pharyngeal swab according to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] or antibodies); 2) negative control group (no antibodies); and 3) patients with an acute infection (detection of SARS-CoV-2 in pharyngeal swab). Intervention Semen and a blood sample were collected from each individual. Main Outcome Measure(s) Analysis of semen quality according to the World Health Organization standards. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in the native semen sample and after density gradient preparation. Confirmation of immunoglobulin (Ig) A und IgG antibodies in the blood. Result(s) Eighteen semen samples from recovered men were obtained 8–54 days after absence of symptoms, 14 from control subjects, and 2 from patients with an active COVID-19 infection. No RNA was detected by means of RT-PCR in the semen, including semen samples from two patients with an acute COVID-19 infection. Subjects with a moderate infection showed an impairment of sperm quality. Conclusion(s) A mild COVID-19 infection is not likely to affect testis and epididymis function, whereas semen parameters did seem impaired after a moderate infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA could not be detected in semen of recovered and acute COVID-19–positive men. This suggests no viral transmission during sexual contact and assisted reproductive techniques, although further data need to be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Holtmann
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Philippos Edimiris
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marcel Andree
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Cornelius Doehmen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dunja Baston-Buest
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ortwin Adams
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan-Steffen Kruessel
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Petra Bielfeld
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Abstract
This cohort study examines the clinical characteristics of men with coronavirus disease 2019 whose semen tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diangeng Li
- Nanlou Respiratory Diseases Department, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Meiling Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing-Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengtao Bao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shixi Zhang
- Shangqiu Municipal Hospital, Shangqiu, China
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Gupta RK, Peppa D, Hill AL, Gálvez C, Salgado M, Pace M, McCoy LE, Griffith SA, Thornhill J, Alrubayyi A, Huyveneers LEP, Nastouli E, Grant P, Edwards SG, Innes AJ, Frater J, Nijhuis M, Wensing AMJ, Martinez-Picado J, Olavarria E. Evidence for HIV-1 cure after CCR5Δ32/Δ32 allogeneic haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation 30 months post analytical treatment interruption: a case report. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e340-e347. [PMID: 32169158 PMCID: PMC7606918 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30069-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The London patient (participant 36 in the IciStem cohort) underwent allogeneic stem-cell transplantation with cells that did not express CCR5 (CCR5Δ32/Δ32); remission was reported at 18 months after analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Here, we present longer term data for this patient (up to 30 months after ATI), including sampling from diverse HIV-1 reservoir sites. METHODS We used ultrasensitive viral load assays of plasma, semen, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to detect HIV-1 RNA. In gut biopsy samples and lymph-node tissue, cell-copy number and total HIV-1 DNA levels were quantified in multiple replicates, using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and quantitative real-time PCR. We also analysed the presence of intact proviral DNA using multiplex ddPCR targeting the packaging signal (ψ) and envelope (env). We did intracellular cytokine staining to measure HIV-1-specific T-cell responses. We used low-sensitive and low-avidity antibody assays to measure the humoral response to HIV-1. We predicted the probability of rebound using a mathematical model and inference approach. FINDINGS HIV-1 viral load in plasma remained undetectable in the London patient up to 30 months (last tested on March 4, 2020), using an assay with a detection limit of 1 copy per mL. The patient's CD4 count was 430 cells per μL (23·5% of total T cells) at 28 months. A very low-level positive signal for HIV-1 DNA was recorded in peripheral CD4 memory cells at 28 months. The viral load in semen was undetectable in both plasma (lower limit of detection [LLD] <12 copies per mL) and cells (LLD 10 copies per 106 cells) at 21 months. CSF was within normal parameters at 25 months, with HIV-1 RNA below the detection limit (LLD 1 copy per mL). HIV-1 DNA by ddPCR was negative in rectum, caecum, and sigmoid colon and terminal ileum tissue samples at 22 months. Lymph-node tissue from axilla was positive for the long-terminal repeat (33 copies per 106 cells) and env (26·1 copies per 106 cells), negative for ψ and integrase, and negative by the intact proviral DNA assay, at 27 months. HIV-1-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses have remained absent at 27 months. Low-avidity Env antibodies have continued to decline. Mathematical modelling suggests that the probability of remission for life (cure) is 98% in the context of 80% donor chimerism in total HIV target cells and greater than 99% probability of remission for life with 90% donor chimerism. INTERPRETATION The London patient has been in HIV-1 remission for 30 months with no detectable replication-competent virus in blood, CSF, intestinal tissue, or lymphoid tissue. Donor chimerism has been maintained at 99% in peripheral T cells. We propose that these findings represent HIV-1 cure. FUNDING Wellcome Trust and amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alison L Hill
- Department for Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Gálvez
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain; Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Matthew Pace
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura E McCoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Sarah A Griffith
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | | | | | - Laura E P Huyveneers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eleni Nastouli
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London (UCL), London, UK; Department of Virology, UCL Hospitals, London, UK; Population, Policy and Practice, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Paul Grant
- Department of Virology, UCL Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Simon G Edwards
- Mortimer Market Centre, Department of HIV, Central and North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Innes
- Imperial College London, London, UK; Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - John Frater
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anne Marie J Wensing
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Javier Martinez-Picado
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain; University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Olavarria
- Imperial College London, London, UK; Mortimer Market Centre, Department of HIV, Central and North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
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Hui L, Nie Y, Li S, Guo M, Yang W, Huang R, Chen J, Liu Y, Lu X, Chen Z, Yang Q, Wu Y. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 facilitates Zika virus invasion of the testis by modulating the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008509. [PMID: 32302362 PMCID: PMC7190178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a unique flavivirus with high tropism to the testes. ZIKV can persist in human semen for months and can cause testicular damage in male mice. However, the mechanisms through which ZIKV enters the testes remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) was upregulated by ZIKV infection in cell culture and in A129 mice. Furthermore, using an in vitro Sertoli cell barrier model and MMP9-/- mice, we found that ZIKV infection directly affected the permeability of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), and knockout or inhibition of MMP9 reduced the effects of ZIKV on the Sertoli cell BTB, highlighting its role in ZIKV-induced disruption of the BTB. Interestingly, the protein levels of MMP9 were elevated by ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) in primary mouse Sertoli cells (mSCs) and other cell lines. Moreover, the interaction between NS1 and MMP9 induced the K63-linked polyubiquitination of MMP9, which enhanced the stability of MMP9. The upregulated MMP9 level led to the degradation of essential proteins involved in the maintenance of the BTB, such as tight junction proteins (TJPs) and type Ⅳ collagens. Collectively, we concluded that ZIKV infection promoted the expression of MMP9 which was further stabilized by NS1 induced K63-linked polyubiquitination to affect the TJPs/ type Ⅳ collagen network, thereby disrupting the BTB and facilitating ZIKV entry into the testes. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus that shows high tropism to the testes and can persist in human semen for a long period. However, the entry mechanism of ZIKV into the testes has remained unclear. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)-modulated ZIKV infection in mice. We showed that MMP9 was upregulated by ZIKV infection both in vivo and in vitro. ZIKV infection affected the permeability of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) through MMP9 mediated degradation of TJPs and type Ⅳ collagens that are critically involved in the maintenance of the BTB. Additionally, the interaction between MMP9 and ZIKV NS1 induced the K63-linked polyubiquitination of MMP9, which enhanced the stability and function of MMP9. Overall, our findings provided important insights into the mechanisms through which MMP9 disrupted the BTB and promoted ZIKV entry into the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwen Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shihua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Moujian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junsen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingxia Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuancheng Lu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingyu Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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Martínez LE, Garcia G, Contreras D, Gong D, Sun R, Arumugaswami V. Zika Virus Mucosal Infection Provides Protective Immunity. J Virol 2020; 94:e00067-20. [PMID: 32051274 PMCID: PMC7163142 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00067-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major human pathogen. ZIKV can replicate in female and male reproductive organs, thus facilitating the human-human transmission cycle. Viral shedding in the semen can increase the risk of ZIKV transmission through sexual mode. Therefore, the vaginal and anorectal mucosa are relevant sites for ZIKV infection. However, the pathobiology of ZIKV transmission through the rectal route is not well understood. Here, we utilize a mouse model system to investigate the immunopathological consequences following ZIKV infection of the rectal mucosa compared to a subcutaneous route of infection. We show that ZIKV-rectal inoculation results in viremia with subclinical infection. ZIKV infects the mucosal epithelium and submucosal dendritic cells, inducing immune and inflammatory cell infiltration. Rectal transmission of ZIKV resulted in the generation of serum-neutralizing antibody responses. Mass cytometry analyses of splenocytes showed a significantly reduced level of inflammatory monocyte and neutrophil cellular responses in the rectal route group. Furthermore, immunological priming through the rectal mucosa with an attenuated ZIKV strain resulted in significant protection from lethal subcutaneous ZIKV challenge, further eliciting robust memory CD4-positive (CD4+) and CD8+ T-cell and ZIKV-specific serum-neutralizing antibody responses. Thus, our study provides deeper immunopathobiological insights on rectal transmission and highlights a rational strategy for mucosal immunization. This model system recapitulates clinical aspects of human ZIKV disease outcome, where most infections are well controlled and result in subclinical and asymptomatic outcomes.IMPORTANCE Zika virus is a clinically significant human pathogen that is primarily transmitted and spread by Aedes species mosquitoes but is also sexually transmissible. The recent pandemic in the Americas led to an unprecedented increase of newborn babies with developmental brain and eye abnormalities. To date, there is no licensed vaccine or therapeutic intervention available for the fight against ZIKV. Understanding the sexual transmission of ZIKV through vaginal and rectal routes is necessary to restrict virus transmission and spread. This study examines the early immunological and pathological consequences of rectal and subcutaneous routes of ZIKV infection using a mouse model. We characterized the primary target cells of ZIKV infection and the subsequent mucosal immune responses to infection, and we demonstrate the protective effect of mucosal rectal immunization using an attenuated ZIKV strain. This mucosal vaccination approach can be further developed to prevent future ZIKV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Martínez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deisy Contreras
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danyang Gong
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ren Sun
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Johnson J, Flores MG, Rosa J, Han C, Salvi AM, DeMali KA, Jagnow JR, Sparks A, Haim H. The High Content of Fructose in Human Semen Competitively Inhibits Broad and Potent Antivirals That Target High-Mannose Glycans. J Virol 2020; 94:e01749-19. [PMID: 32102878 PMCID: PMC7163146 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01749-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen is the primary transmission vehicle for various pathogenic viruses. Initial steps of transmission, including cell attachment and entry, likely occur in the presence of semen. However, the unstable nature of human seminal plasma and its toxic effects on cells in culture limit the ability to study in vitro virus infection and inhibition in this medium. We found that whole semen significantly reduces the potency of antibodies and microbicides that target glycans on the envelope glycoproteins (Envs) of HIV-1. The extraordinarily high concentration of the monosaccharide fructose in semen contributes significantly to the effect by competitively inhibiting the binding of ligands to α1,2-linked mannose residues on Env. Infection and inhibition in whole human seminal plasma are accurately mimicked by a stable synthetic simulant of seminal fluid that we formulated. Our findings indicate that, in addition to the protein content of biological secretions, their small-solute composition impacts the potency of antiviral microbicides and mucosal antibodies.IMPORTANCE Biological secretions allow viruses to spread between individuals. Each type of secretion has a unique composition of proteins, salts, and sugars, which can affect the infectivity potential of the virus and inhibition of this process. Here, we describe HIV-1 infection and inhibition in whole human seminal plasma and a synthetic simulant that we formulated. We discovered that the sugar fructose in semen decreases the activity of a broad and potent class of antiviral agents that target mannose sugars on the envelope protein of HIV-1. This effect of semen fructose likely reduces the efficacy of such inhibitors to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. Our findings suggest that the preclinical evaluation of microbicides and vaccine-elicited antibodies will be improved by their in vitro assessment in synthetic formulations that simulate the effects of semen on HIV-1 infection and inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacklyn Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Manuel G Flores
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - John Rosa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Changze Han
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alicia M Salvi
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kris A DeMali
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jennifer R Jagnow
- In Vitro Fertilization and Reproductive Testing Laboratory, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amy Sparks
- In Vitro Fertilization and Reproductive Testing Laboratory, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hillel Haim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Koga S, Takazono T, Ando T, Hayasaka D, Tashiro M, Saijo T, Kurihara S, Sekino M, Yamamoto K, Imamura Y, Miyazaki T, Yanagihara K, Morita K, Izumikawa K, Mukae H. Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus RNA in Semen, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:2127-2128. [PMID: 31625854 PMCID: PMC6810197 DOI: 10.3201/eid2511.190061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) can be transmitted between humans. We describe a case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in which SFTSV RNA was detected in semen after its disappearance from serum. Our findings indicate possible sexual transmission of this emerging virus.
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40
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Keita M, Keita S, Diallo B, Camara M, Mesfin S, Nebie KY, Magassouba N, Coulibaly S, Barry B, Baldé MO, Pallawo R, Sow S, Diallo AB, Formenty P, Djingarey MH, Fall IS, Subissi L. Public Health Program for Decreasing Risk for Ebola Virus Disease Resurgence from Survivors of the 2013-2016 Outbreak, Guinea. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:206-211. [PMID: 31961292 PMCID: PMC6986820 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.191235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of the 2013–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, we implemented an alert system for early detection of Ebola resurgence among survivors. Survivors were asked to report health alerts in their household and provide body fluid specimens for laboratory testing. During April–September 2016, a total of 1,075 (88%) of 1,215 survivors participated in the system; follow up occurred at a median of 16 months after discharge (interquartile range 14–18 months). Of these, 784 acted as focal points and reported 1,136 alerts (including 4 deaths among survivors). A total of 372 (91%) of 408 eligible survivors had >1 semen specimen tested; of 817 semen specimens, 5 samples from 4 survivors were positive up to 512 days after discharge. No lochia (0/7) or breast milk (0/69) specimens tested positive. Our findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring of survivors’ semen samples in an Ebola-affected country.
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41
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Chen R, Chen Q, Wu X, Che Y, Wang C, Wang L, Yan S, Zhou L. Development of a TaqMan Based Real-Time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Porcine Cytomegalovirus in Semen. Biomed Res Int 2020; 2020:5673145. [PMID: 32420350 PMCID: PMC7199591 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5673145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study described a TaqMan based real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection, targeting the conserved region of the DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene. The standard curve showed a linear regression relationship with a coefficient of 0.999 and a slope of y = -3.249x + 38.958 corresponding to the amplification efficiency at 99.8%. The limit of the qPCR method was 51.9 copies/μl. The established qPCR method showed excellent specificity, with no cross-reaction observed with common porcine pathogens. The coefficient of variation for intra-assay and interassay variability ranged up to 1.51% and 2.24%, respectively. PCMV positive signals can be found in semen using this qPCR method, which suggested that we should pay more attention to PCMV contamination in semen in order to eliminate PCMV infection in artificial insemination and xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujing Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Qiuyong Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Xuemin Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Yongliang Che
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Chenyan Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Longbai Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
| | - Lunjiang Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agriculture Sciences/Fujian Animal Disease Control Technology Development Center, Fuzhou 350013, China
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Petridou C, Bonsall D, Ahmed A, Roberts M, Bell C, de Cesare M, Bowden R, Graham V, Bailey D, Simpson A, Aarons E. Prolonged Zika Virus RNA Detection in Semen of Immunosuppressed Patient. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1598-1600. [PMID: 31310210 PMCID: PMC6649331 DOI: 10.3201/eid2508.181543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus RNA has been detected in semen samples collected <370 days after symptom onset. We report unusual persistence of Zika virus RNA in semen, confirmed by sequencing at 515 days after symptom onset and detectable for >900 days, in a patient with immunosuppression.
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Storino GY, Xavier EB, Mechler-Dreibi ML, Simonatto A, Gatto IRH, Oliveira MEF, Pituco EM, de Oliveira LG. No effects of noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 on the reproductive tract of experimentally inoculated boars. Vet Microbiol 2019; 240:108512. [PMID: 31902514 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections in pigs may result in transient leukopenia, chronic gastroenteritis, septicemia, and hemorrhagic lesions. Both classical swine fever virus (CSF) and the atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) are shed in the semen of infected boars. Because these viruses share conserved regions and present antigenic similarity, they may not be the only species belonging to the genus Pestivirus that can be shed in the semen of infected pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular and epididymal changes, seminal parameters, and viral shedding in the reproductive tract of boars experimentally inoculated with noncytopathic BVDV-2. Six males were selected, and samples of blood, semen, and preputial swabs were collected every four days until the 52nd day after inoculation. The samples were tested for the presence of viral RNA by RT-PCR. An aliquot of whole blood was used to perform hematological analyses, which showed a significant reduction in monocyte counts and a significant increase in lymphocyte counts when comparing the pre- and postinoculation periods. The neutralizing antibody titers were determined by the virus neutralization test. None of the animals presented clinical signs or worsening of the seminal parameters that were evaluated. Moreover, BVDV-2 shedding by the reproductive route was not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Yuri Storino
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Bellini Xavier
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Marina Lopes Mechler-Dreibi
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Artur Simonatto
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Igor Renan Honorato Gatto
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Edviges Maristela Pituco
- Biological Institute of São Paulo, Av. Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves, 1252 - Vila Mariana, São Paulo, SP, 04014-002, Brazil
| | - Luís Guilherme de Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV). Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil.
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Abstract
Protecting boar studs and their clients from emerging infectious disease first involves effective biosecurity measures to keep a disease out that was not present, and second, early identification and ceasing semen distribution prior to disseminating infectious disease. Experiences in the field can best guide us as to what has been effective. Circumstances in North America in the period of 1999-2004 resulted in numerous PRRS virus (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) negative boar studs becoming infected and disseminating virus to sow farms. Earlier detection methods were needed, and withholding of semen pending negative test results became standard. To accomplish this, diagnostic labs complied with industry requests for same day testing. At the same time, research efforts helped clarify the major routes of PRRS virus introduction into the farms. The risk of fomites and aerosol spread became viewed as major risks. Addressing issues with people and supply entry alone did not eliminate new virus entry. The implementation of air filtration during 2005-2008 had a major impact on the rate of new virus introductions into boar studs after other measures alone were unsuccessful. Risks exposed with the introduction of PED virus (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) into North America further highlighted other risk factors such as feed ingredients, trailer sanitation, and the presence of clear physical barriers. The successful adaptation of testing procedures, combined with biosecurity procedures including air filtration, has made the incidence of infectious disease introduction extremely rare in North American boar studs over the last decade. While survivability of infectious disease agents can vary in different materials or in the air, successful protocols should be applied and adjusted as needed to accommodate new information or risks. Cleary defined physical barriers for people and animal entry and exit, sanitization and/or down time on incoming supplies, risk mitigation and testing of feed ingredients, and filtration have been keys to changing the incidence of emerging infectious disease introduction into boar studs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin L Reicks
- Reicks Veterinary Research & Consulting, P.O. Box 314, St. Peter, Minnesota, 56082, USA.
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Li CX, Chang WS, Mitsakos K, Rodger J, Holmes EC, Hudson BJ. Identification of a Novel Equine Papillomavirus in Semen from a Thoroughbred Stallion with a Penile Lesion. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080713. [PMID: 31382657 PMCID: PMC6723834 DOI: 10.3390/v11080713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses (PVs) have been identified in a wide range of animal species and are associated with a variety of disease syndromes including classical papillomatosis, aural plaques, and genital papillomas. In horses, 13 PVs have been described to date, falling into six genera. Using total RNA sequencing (meta-transcriptomics) we identified a novel equine papillomavirus in semen taken from a thoroughbred stallion suffering a genital lesion, which was confirmed by nested RT-PCR. We designate this novel virus Equus caballus papillomavirus 9 (EcPV9). The complete 7656 bp genome of EcPV9 exhibited similar characteristics to those of other horse papillomaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated E1-E2-L2-L1 amino acid sequences revealed that EcPV9 clustered with EcPV2, EcPV4, and EcPV5, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral species within the genus Dyoiotapapillomavirus (69.35%, 59.25%, and 58.00% nucleotide similarity to EcPV2, EcPV4, and EcPV5, respectively). In sum, we demonstrate the presence of a novel equine papillomavirus for which more detailed studies of disease association are merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci-Xiu Li
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life & Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wei-Shan Chang
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life & Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Katerina Mitsakos
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Reserve Road, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - James Rodger
- Vets & Veterinary Surgeons, Jerry Plains Veterinary Hospital, 10 Pagan Street, Jerry Plains, NSW 2330, Australia
| | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life & Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Bernard J Hudson
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Reserve Road, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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Gorchakov R, Gulas-Wroblewski BE, Ronca SE, Ruff JC, Nolan MS, Berry R, Alvarado RE, Gunter SM, Murray KO. Optimizing PCR Detection of West Nile Virus from Body Fluid Specimens to Delineate Natural History in an Infected Human Cohort. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081934. [PMID: 31010160 PMCID: PMC6514913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne arbovirus, remains a major global health concern. In this study, we optimized PCR methods then assessed serially-collected whole blood (WB), urine (UR), saliva, and semen specimens from a large cohort of WNV-positive participants to evaluate the natural history of infection and persistent shedding of WNV RNA. Viral RNA extraction protocols for frozen WB and UR specimens were optimized and validated through spiking experiments to maximize recovery of viral RNA from archived specimens and to assess the degradation of WNV RNA in stored UR specimens. The resultant procedures were used in conjunction with PCR detection to identify WNV-positive specimens and to quantify their viral loads. A total of 59 of 352 WB, 10 of 38 UR, and 2 of 34 saliva specimens tested positive for WNV RNA. Although a single semen specimen was positive 22 days post onset, we could not definitively confirm the presence of WNV RNA in the remaining specimens. WNV RNA-positive UR specimens exhibited profound loss of viral RNA during storage, highlighting the need for optimal preservation pre-storage. This study provides optimized methods for WNV RNA detection among different fluid types and offers alternative options for diagnostic testing during the acute stages of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodion Gorchakov
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Bonnie E Gulas-Wroblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Shannon E Ronca
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jeanne C Ruff
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Rebecca Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - R Elias Alvarado
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sarah M Gunter
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Kristy O Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Sneller MC, Reilly C, Badio M, Bishop RJ, Eghrari AO, Moses SJ, Johnson KL, Gayedyu-Dennis D, Hensley LE, Higgs ES, Nath A, Tuznik K, Varughese J, Jensen KS, Dighero-Kemp B, Neaton JD, Lane HC, Fallah MP. A Longitudinal Study of Ebola Sequelae in Liberia. N Engl J Med 2019; 380:924-934. [PMID: 30855742 PMCID: PMC6478393 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1805435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple health problems have been reported in survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Attribution of these problems to the disease without a control group for analysis is difficult. METHODS We enrolled a cohort of EVD survivors and their close contacts and prospectively collected data on symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. A subset of participants underwent ophthalmologic examinations. Persistence of Ebola virus (EBOV) RNA in semen samples from survivors was determined. RESULTS A total of 966 EBOV antibody-positive survivors and 2350 antibody-negative close contacts (controls) were enrolled, and 90% of these participants were followed for 12 months. At enrollment (median time to baseline visit, 358 days after symptom onset), six symptoms were reported significantly more often among survivors than among controls: urinary frequency (14.7% vs. 3.4%), headache (47.6% vs. 35.6%), fatigue (18.4% vs. 6.3%), muscle pain (23.1% vs. 10.1%), memory loss (29.2% vs. 4.8%), and joint pain (47.5% vs. 17.5%). On examination, more survivors than controls had abnormal abdominal, chest, neurologic, and musculoskeletal findings and uveitis. Other than uveitis (prevalence at enrollment, 26.4% vs. 12.1%; at year 1, 33.3% vs. 15.4%), the prevalence of these conditions declined during follow-up in both groups. The incidence of most symptoms, neurologic findings, and uveitis was greater among survivors than among controls. EBOV RNA was detected in semen samples from 30% of the survivors tested, with a maximum time from illness to detection of 40 months. CONCLUSIONS A relatively high burden of symptoms was seen in all participants, but certain symptoms and examination findings were more common among survivors. With the exception of uveitis, these conditions declined in prevalence during follow-up in both groups. Viral RNA in semen persisted for a maximum of 40 months. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Eye Institute; PREVAIL III ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02431923.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Sneller
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Cavan Reilly
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Moses Badio
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Rachel J Bishop
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Allen O Eghrari
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Soka J Moses
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Kumblytee L Johnson
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Dehkontee Gayedyu-Dennis
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Lisa E Hensley
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Elizabeth S Higgs
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Avindra Nath
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Kaylie Tuznik
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Justin Varughese
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Kenneth S Jensen
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Bonnie Dighero-Kemp
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - James D Neaton
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - H Clifford Lane
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
| | - Mosoka P Fallah
- The affiliations of the members of the writing committee are as follows: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda (M.C.S., R.J.B., L.E.H., E.S.H., A.N., K.T., J.V., K.S.J., B.D.-K., H.C.L.), and Johns Hopkins University, Ophthalmology, Baltimore (A.O.E.) - both in Maryland; Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (C.R., J.D.N.); and Liberian Ministry of Health (M.B., M.P.F.) and John F. Kennedy Medical Center (S.J.M.), Monrovia, the Duport Road Clinic, Paynesville (D.G.-D.), and C.H. Rennie Hospital, Kakata (K.L.J.) - all in Liberia
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Schindell BG, Webb AL, Kindrachuk J. Persistence and Sexual Transmission of Filoviruses. Viruses 2018; 10:v10120683. [PMID: 30513823 PMCID: PMC6316729 DOI: 10.3390/v10120683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing frequency of reports regarding the persistence of the Ebola virus (EBOV) in Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors. During the 2014–2016 West African EVD epidemic, sporadic transmission events resulted in the initiation of new chains of human-to-human transmission. Multiple reports strongly suggest that these re-emergences were linked to persistent EBOV infections and included sexual transmission from EVD survivors. Asymptomatic infection and long-term viral persistence in EVD survivors could result in incidental introductions of the Ebola virus in new geographic regions and raise important national and local public health concerns. Alarmingly, although the persistence of filoviruses and their potential for sexual transmission have been documented since the emergence of such viruses in 1967, there is limited knowledge regarding the events that result in filovirus transmission to, and persistence within, the male reproductive tract. Asymptomatic infection and long-term viral persistence in male EVD survivors could lead to incidental transfer of EBOV to new geographic regions, thereby generating widespread outbreaks that constitute a significant threat to national and global public health. Here, we review filovirus testicular persistence and discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the rates of persistence in male survivors, and mechanisms underlying reproductive tract localization and sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayden G Schindell
- Laboratory of Emerging and Re-Emerging Viruses, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Andrew L Webb
- Laboratory of Emerging and Re-Emerging Viruses, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Jason Kindrachuk
- Laboratory of Emerging and Re-Emerging Viruses, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
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49
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Oliveira DBL, Durigon GS, Mendes ÉA, Ladner JT, Andreata-Santos R, Araujo DB, Botosso VF, Paola ND, Neto DFL, Cunha MP, Braconi CT, Alves RPS, Jesus MR, Pereira LR, Melo SR, Mesquita FS, Silveira VB, Thomazelli LM, Favoretto SR, Almonfrey FB, Abdulkader RCRM, Gabrili JM, Tambourgi DV, Oliveira SF, Prieto K, Wiley MR, Ferreira LCS, Silva MV, Palacios GF, Zanotto PMA, Durigon EL. Persistence and Intra-Host Genetic Evolution of Zika Virus Infection in Symptomatic Adults: A Special View in the Male Reproductive System. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110615. [PMID: 30405055 PMCID: PMC6267439 DOI: 10.3390/v10110615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We followed the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in four healthy adults (two men and two women), for periods ranging from 78 to 298 days post symptom onset. The patients were evaluated regarding the presence of the virus in different body fluids (blood, saliva, urine and semen), development of immune responses (including antibodies, cytokines and chemokines), and virus genetic variation within samples collected from semen and urine during the infection course. The analysis was focused primarily on the two male patients who shed the virus for up to 158 days after the initial symptoms. ZIKV particles were detected in the spermatozoa cytoplasm and flagella, in immature sperm cells and could also be isolated from semen in cell culture, confirming that the virus is able to preserve integrity and infectivity during replication in the male reproductive system (MRS). Despite the damage caused by ZIKV infection within the MRS, our data showed that ZIKV infection did not result in infertility at least in one of the male patients. This patient was able to conceive a child after the infection. We also detected alterations in the male genital cytokine milieu, which could play an important role in the replication and transmission of the virus which could considerably increase the risk of ZIKV sexual spread. In addition, full genome ZIKV sequences were obtained from several samples (mainly semen), which allowed us to monitor the evolution of the virus within a patient during the infection course. We observed genetic changes over time in consensus sequences and lower frequency intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNV), that suggested independent compartmentalization of ZIKV populations in the reproductive and urinary systems. Altogether, the present observations confirm the risks associated with the long-term replication and shedding of ZIKV in the MRS and help to elucidate patterns of intra-host genetic evolution during long term replication of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle B L Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Giuliana S Durigon
- Medical School Clinic Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil.
| | - Érica A Mendes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Jason T Ladner
- Center for Genome Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4073, USA.
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Danielle B Araujo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Viviane F Botosso
- Virology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Nicholas D Paola
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Daniel F L Neto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Marielton P Cunha
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Carla T Braconi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Rúbens P S Alves
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Monica R Jesus
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Lennon R Pereira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Stella R Melo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Flávio S Mesquita
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa B Silveira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciano M Thomazelli
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | | | - Franciane B Almonfrey
- Medical School Clinic Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil.
| | | | - Joel M Gabrili
- Virology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil.
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Denise V Tambourgi
- Virology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio F Oliveira
- Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Karla Prieto
- Center for Genome Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388, USA.
| | - Michael R Wiley
- Center for Genome Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4388, USA.
| | - Luís C S Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcos V Silva
- Institute of Infectology Emílio Ribas e Pontifícia Universidade Católica (PUC-SP), São Paulo, SP 01246-900, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo F Palacios
- Center for Genome Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Paolo M A Zanotto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Edison L Durigon
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
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Kong W. Can semen protect human from ZIKV infection? Eur J Intern Med 2018; 57:e30. [PMID: 30145056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Weili Kong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester medical center, Rochester, NY 14620, United States.
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