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Current Infectious Disease Reports

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01-04-2017 | Tropical, Travel and Emerging Infections (L Chen, Section Editor)

Epidemiology, Prevention, and Potential Future Treatments of Sexually Transmitted Zika Virus Infection

Authors: Davidson H. Hamer, Mary E. Wilson, Jenny Jean, Lin H. Chen

Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Purpose of Review

While mosquitoes have been primarily responsible for outbreaks of Zika virus worldwide, most prominently in the Americas during 2015 and 2016, there has been increased recognition of the importance of sexual transmission. We review human reports and animal model studies of Zika sexual transmission and summarize potential therapeutic candidates.

Recent Findings

Male-to-female, male-to-male, and female-to-male transmission has been reported, among unprotected sexual contacts of returning travelers. Human studies have shown the potential importance of long-term persistence of Zika virus in semen while animal models have begun to yield important insights into pathogenesis of Zika infection of the genital tract.

Summary

Adherence to federal and global guidelines for prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus from travelers to their sexual partners represents the best strategy for reducing the risk of transmission outside of endemic areas. Active research on potential treatments may soon yield candidates for clinical trials.

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Title: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Potential Future Treatments of Sexually Transmitted Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Davidson H. Hamer
Mary E. Wilson
Jenny Jean
Lin H. Chen
Publication date: 01-04-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1523-3847
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3146
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-017-0571-z

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