Prolonged Zika Virus RNA Detection in Semen of Immunosuppressed Patient

Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Aug;25(8):1598-1600. doi: 10.3201/eid2508.181543.

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.

Keywords: United Kingdom; Zika virus; clearance; immunosuppression; persistence; semen; viruses.

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / transmission
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral
  • Rheumatic Diseases / complications
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Semen / virology*
  • Travel-Related Illness
  • Viral Load
  • Zika Virus / classification*
  • Zika Virus / genetics*
  • Zika Virus Infection / diagnosis
  • Zika Virus Infection / epidemiology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / transmission
  • Zika Virus Infection / virology*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • RNA, Viral