Zika Virus Exposure in an HIV-Infected Cohort in Ghana

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence and epidemiologic associations of Zika Virus (ZIKV) in HIV-infected patients in Ghana, West Africa. Methods We examined the seroprevalence of ZIKV in HIV/HBV co-infected persons in Ghana from sera samples collected from 2012 to 2014 using ELISA assays and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). Results Overall, ZIKV antibody was detected in 12.9% of 236 tested samples, though the true estimate of exposure is probably less due cross-reactions with other related viruses. PRNTs were performed on a subset to provide an estimate of the frequency of false positive reaction. Dengue virus testing was also performed and antibody prevalence was 87.2%. The median CD4 count was 436 (range 2–1781 cell/mm3) and did not affect antibody results. Regional geographic ethnicity was associated with ZIKV exposure. Discussion Overall, these data suggest that ZIKV infection is a relatively prevalent infection in HIV-positive persons in Ghana though not as common as dengue. Further evaluation of the effect of ZIKV and HIV co-infection is warranted given the large geographical overlap of populations exposed to both viruses.

Zika viruses of African and Asian lineages cause fetal harm in a mouse model of vertical transmission

“…A lack of thorough surveillance, together with myriad co-circulating pathogens causing febrile illnesses, make understanding both the past and current prevalence of gestational ZIKV infection and any resulting fetal outcomes in Africa challenging [40–42]. Recent seroprevalence studies have now identified low, but consistent circulation of ZIKV in several African [43–46] and southeast Asian [47] countries, indicating a large population potentially at risk. Accurate assessment of the risk posed by ZIKV infection to pregnant women and their babies in both Africa and southeast Asia should be a priority.…”

Zika virus replication and cytopathic effects in liver cells

“…To this end, we recently reported that ZIKV infection is relatively common in HIV-infected persons in Ghana, and we will seek to further describe these interactions in places where coinfection might exist. [ 18 ] We will also explore specific mechanisms of hepatocyte injury due to Zika infection in subsequent work.…”

Frequent first-trimester pregnancy loss in rhesus macaques infected with African-lineage Zika virus

“…SIV-induced disease in macaques manifests similarly to HIV-induced disease in humans, making SIV-infected macaques a useful model for the study of human HIV infection 20 . Areas of high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa also overlap with areas of historical ZIKV infections [21][22][23] . Additionally, African-lineage ZIKV strains show greater pathogenicity in mice than Asian-lineage strains and resulted in resorption of all embryos in dams infected with African-lineage ZIKV 24,25 .…”