Risk Factors for Ebola Virus Persistence in Semen of Survivors in Liberia

Dyal, Jonathan; Kofman, Aaron; Kollie, Jomah; Fankhauser, John; Orone, Romeo; Soka, Moses J; Glaybo, Uriah; Kiawu, Armah; Freeman, Edna; Giah, Giovanni; Tony, Henry D.; Faikai, Mylene; Jawara, Mary; Kamara, Kuku; Kamara, Samuel; Flowers, Benjamin; Kromah, Mohammed; Desamu-Thorpe, Rodel; Graziano, James; Brown, Shelley; Morales-Betoulle, Maria; Cannon, Deborah; Su, Kaihong; Linderman, Susanne L.; Pluciński, Mateusz M.; Rogier, Eric; Bradbury, Richard S.; Secor, W. Evan; Bowden, Katherine E.; Phillips, Christi; Carrington, Mary; Park, Yeon-Hwa; Martin, Maureen P.; Aguinaga, Maria del Pilar; Mushi, Robert; Haberling, Dana L.; Ervin, Elizabeth; Klena, John D.; Massaquoi, Moses; Nyenswah, Tolbert; Nichol, Stuart T.; Chiriboga, David E.; Williams, Desmond E.; Hinrichs, Steven H.; Ahmed, Rafi; Vonhm, Benjamin; Rollin, Pierre E.; Purpura, Lawrence; Choi, Mary J.

doi:10.1093/cid/ciac424

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…One of the intriguing characteristics of the abovementioned viruses is that they have broad tissue tropism [ 19–21 ]. The male genital system has been well-characterized as a favorable niche for Zika virus and Ebola virus [ 22 , 23 ]. Recently, a German group reported that HEV can be persistently detected (>9 months) in the ejaculates of most chronic hepatitis E patients (75%, 9/12)[ 24 , 25 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis E virus infects human testicular tissue and Sertoli cells

Liu,

Cao,

Weng

et al. 2024

Emerging Microbes & Infections

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Globally, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are prevalent. The finding of high viral loads and persistent viral shedding in ejaculate suggests that HEV replicates within the human male genital tract, but its target organ is unknown and appropriate models are lacking. We aimed to determine the HEV tropism in the human testis and its potential influence on male reproductive health. We conducted an ex vivo culture of human testis explants and in vitro culture of primary human Sertoli cells. Clinically derived HEV genotype 1 (HEV1) and HEV3 virions, as well as rat-derived HEV-C1, were used for inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on testis tissues collected from tacrolimus-treated rabbits with chronic HEV3 infection. Our findings reveal that HEV3, but not HEV1 or HEV-C1, can replicate in human testis explants and primary human Sertoli cells. Tacrolimus treatment significantly enhanced the replication efficiency of HEV3 in testis explants and enabled successful HEV1 infection in Sertoli cells. HEV3 infection disrupted the secretion of several soluble factors and altered the cytokine microenvironment within primary human Sertoli cells. Finally, intratesticular transcriptomic analysis of immunocompromised rabbits with chronic HEV infection indicated downregulation of genes associated with spermatogenesis. HEV can infect the human testicular tissues and Sertoli cells, with increased replication efficiency when exposed to tacrolimus treatment. These findings shed light on how HEV may persist in the ejaculate of patients with chronic hepatitis E and provide valuable ex vivo tools for studying countermeasures.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis E virus infects human testicular tissue and Sertoli cells

Liu,

Cao,

Weng

et al. 2024

Emerging Microbes & Infections

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Ebola virus disease in children: epidemiology, pathogenesis, management, and prevention

Dobbs,

Lobb,

Dent

2023

Pediatr Res

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Beyond survival: unraveling the dynamics of Ebola virus resurgence in Sub-Saharan Africa and the remarkable journey of survivors

Asare Fenteng,

Ossei,

Ayibor

et al. 2023

Front. Virol.

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Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains a significant public health threat, with sporadic outbreaks occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Survivors of EVD may experience various post-infection symptoms, collectively known as post-Ebola virus syndrome (PES), which include chronic arthralgia, uveitis, headache, and psychosocial stressors. In this review, we discuss the persistence of Ebola virus in survivors and its possible role in the reemergence of current outbreaks. We highlight that waning immunity of survivors enhances viral persistence and may lead to viral reactivation and recurrence of disease in previously affected tissues. The delicate equilibrium between diminished immune cell surveillance and limited viral replication may lead to enduring chronic inflammation. Our systematic review, based on an extensive survivor cohort, underscores the importance of continued research and preparedness efforts to combat future outbreaks through adequate surveillance and timely public health interventions. This review serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of EVD survivorship, the challenges of PES, and the strategies to mitigate its impact.

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Risk Factors for Ebola Virus Persistence in Semen of Survivors in Liberia

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Hepatitis E virus infects human testicular tissue and Sertoli cells

Hepatitis E virus infects human testicular tissue and Sertoli cells

Ebola virus disease in children: epidemiology, pathogenesis, management, and prevention

Beyond survival: unraveling the dynamics of Ebola virus resurgence in Sub-Saharan Africa and the remarkable journey of survivors

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