title: Presence and Persistence of Zika Virus RNA in Semen, United Kingdom, 2016.
abstract: Zika virus RNA has been detected in semen collected several months after onset of symptoms of infection. Given the potential for sexual transmission of Zika virus and for serious fetal abnormalities resulting from infection during pregnancy, information regarding the persistence of Zika virus in semen is critical for advancing our understanding of potential risks. We tested serial semen samples from symptomatic male patients in the United Kingdom who had a diagnosis of imported Zika virus infection. Among the initial semen samples from 23 patients, Zika virus RNA was detected at high levels in 13 (56.5%) and was not detected in 9 (39.1%); detection was indeterminate in 1 sample (4.4%). After symptomatic infection, a substantial proportion of men have detectable Zika virus RNA at high copy numbers in semen during early convalescence, suggesting high risk for sexual transmission. Viral RNA clearance times are not consistent and can be prolonged.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Thorburn
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Petridou
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hewson
authors.forename: Andrew J H
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Timothy J G
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Aarons
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012661:Semen / Q000821:virology*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D000071244:Zika Virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral
keywords: RNA; United Kingdom; Zika; Zika virus; flavivirus; infectious diseases; mosquitoborne; persistence; semen; sexual transmission; vector-borne infections; viruses