An analysis of data from hundreds of studies has revealed that 22 viruses have the capability of persisting in human semen after infection, with nine of them showing evidence of sexual transmission. This groundbreaking research, recently published in The Lancet Microbe, expands the list of viruses that can linger in semen post-acute infections. The study sheds light on the potential sources of reproductive complications and poses new challenges for scientists working on vaccines and antiviral treatments against these pathogens.
Chronic infection-causing viruses such as HIV and herpes have long been known to persist in semen, increasing the risk of sexual transmission. More recently, viruses like Ebola and Zika have been found to infect the male reproductive tract, evading immune system clearance and spreading long after the acute phase of infection. This new discovery highlights the prevalence of latent infections in the male reproductive tract and sheds light on the importance of understanding the role of semen in virus transmission for public health responses to outbreaks.
Among the viruses detected in semen and known or suspected to be sexually transmissible are Marburg, Mpox, and West Nile. While there is no evidence yet supporting the presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever or hepatitis A in semen, they may still be sexually transmissible. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has been found in male reproductive tissues but has not been shown to transmit through sexual contact.
The study also revealed that different viruses have varying persistence in semen, influenced by individual factors and the type of virus. Men with weakened immune systems tend to experience longer viral persistence. For example, Ebola and Zika have been known to persist for over two years, while viruses like West Nile and dengue remain detectable in semen for just three to five weeks. Notably, replication-competent Oropouche virus has been found in semen, raising concerns about potential sexual transmission risks associated with this virus.
Overall, this groundbreaking research underscores the importance of understanding virus persistence in semen and its implications for sexual transmission. The findings will undoubtedly inform future research on developing effective treatments and preventive measures against sexually transmissible viruses. The study was conducted by Caitlin Pley and her team at the Charité Center for Global Health in Berlin, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between viruses and the male reproductive tract.
For more information, you can refer to the original research article published in The Lancet Microbe (DOI: 10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101013). This study has significant implications for public health and underscores the need for ongoing research to address the challenges posed by sexually transmissible viruses in semen.
Source: 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
