We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Study Shows Zika Virus Persists in Body Fluids

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Oct 2018
Print article
Image: The GenoAmp Trioplex Real-Time RT-PCR Zika/Den/Chiku kit is a real-time molecular diagnostic test for the screening and differentiation of Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus, extracted from human plasma/serum (Photo courtesy of Mediven).
Image: The GenoAmp Trioplex Real-Time RT-PCR Zika/Den/Chiku kit is a real-time molecular diagnostic test for the screening and differentiation of Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus, extracted from human plasma/serum (Photo courtesy of Mediven).
Although most Zika virus (ZIKV) infections are transmitted by infected mosquitoes, ZIKV transmission has been documented as occurring through sexual contact, blood transfusion, laboratory exposure, and both intrauterine and intrapartum transmission.

ZIKV infection can be diagnosed through detection of ZIKV RNA in blood, urine, and other body fluids by reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assays. However, the frequency with which ZIKV RNA can be detected in various body fluids and the length of time that it remains detectable are not well understood.

An international team of scientists cooperating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA) evaluated samples obtained from 295 participants (including 94 men who provided semen specimens) in whom ZIKV RNA was detected on RT-PCR assay in urine or blood at an enhanced arboviral clinical surveillance site. The study was based on 295 people in Puerto Rico infected with Zika beginning in May 2016. The team collected samples of serum, urine, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions weekly for the first month and at 2, 4, and 6 months after diagnosis. The mean age of the participants was 36 years; 51% were female, including nine who were pregnant.

Specimens, measuring 200 μL, were tested by means of the Trioplex RT-PCR assay, as recommended by the CDC for the detection of dengue, chikungunya, and ZIKV RNA. In addition, they performed validation analyses for the use of the Trioplex RT-PCR assay in semen. Serum was tested by means of anti–ZIKV IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ZIKV isolation was attempted through culture in a subset of semen and serum specimens.

The investigators reported that the median and 95th percentile for the time until the loss of Zika RNA detection were 15 days, and 41 days respectively, in serum; 11 days, and 34 days in urine; and 42 days and 120 days in semen. Less than 5% of participants had detectable Zika RNA in saliva or vaginal secretions. Compared with preliminary findings, the median time of RNA clearance in semen rose from 34 to 42 days, and for 95th percentile it climbed from 81 to 120 days.

The authors concluded that the prolonged time until ZIKV RNA clearance in serum in this study may have implications for the diagnosis and prevention of ZIKV infection. In 95% of the men in this study, ZIKV RNA was cleared from semen after approximately four months.

Gabriela Paz-Bailey, MD, PhD, the lead author of the study, said, “Anyone concerned about getting or passing Zika through sex should use condoms every time they have sex or not have sex for at least three months after symptom onset to allow Zika virus to clear from semen. Because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika transmission risk. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and prevent sexual transmission during and after the trip.” The study was published on September 27, 2018, in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Related Links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.