Effects of Acute Dengue Infection on Sperm and Virus Clearance in Body Fluids of Men

Dengue Virus Dynamic and Persistence in Body Fluids of Infected Patients in Italy, 2018-2023

Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), is constantly expanding worldwide. We investigated the presence and persistence of DENV RNA in the bloodstream and other body fluids to describe the viral kinetics in the human host. We longitudinally collected serum (n = 118), plasma (n = 110), whole blood (n = 90), urine (n = 118), oral swabs (n = 68), saliva (n = 42), semen (n = 23), and vaginal fluids (n = 49) from 42 DENV patients. We measured DENV RNA for a median of 28 (range 1-63) days from symptom onset (DSO). We estimated the probability of viral detection applying a generalized linear model, and the duration of viremia using Monte Carlo-Markov Chain approach. In the bloodstream, the highest rate of positivity, levels of DENV RNA, and persistence were observed in whole blood. The estimated probability of a positive test dropped below 5% after 12.5, 20.7, and 35.4 DSO for plasma, serum, and whole blood, respectively. The average duration of viremia was estimated to be 19.9 DSO. Saliva and oral swabs showed 76.2% and 58.8% of DENV RNA positivity during the first week of symptoms while the longest persistence was observed in urine (39 DSO). DENV was revealed in 20% cervicovaginal (up to 11 DSO) and 30% seminal (up to 35 DSO) fluids. Whole blood represents the preferential specimen for dengue molecular detection and the correct estimation of viremia duration which have clear implications for onward transmission and public health countermeasures. Blood, urine, and oral samples can be assayed according to time from disease onset, severity, and screening purposes.

Immune Regulation in the Testis and Epididymis

Immune regulation within the male reproductive tract is necessary for the protection of the spermatogenic cells from a detrimental immune response. This is done by the production of immunomodulatory factors, sequestration of the spermatogenic cells behind the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and blood-epididymal barrier (BEB), and controlled presentation of germ cell antigens. At the same time, bacteria and viruses can take advantage of this unique environment, inducing inflammation and infecting the male reproductive tract, resulting in histological damage, germ cell loss, and potentially leading to infertility. An antimicrobial response is important to counter this affliction that if not properly controlled can lead to germ cell autoimmunity or provide a haven for pathogens. Therefore, the immunomodulatory environment within the testis and epididymis is intrinsically important to maintain this property.

The Potential Role of Zika and Dengue Virus Infection in the Urogenital System Disorders: An Overview

Arboviruses currently are regarded as a major worldwide public health concern. The clinical outcomes associated with this group of viruses may vary from asymptomatic infections to severe forms of haemorrhagic fever characterised by bleeding disorders. Similar to other systemic viral infections, arboviruses can either directly or indirectly affect different parts of the body, such as the urogenital system. The human urogenital system anatomically consists of two major subdivisions: (i) the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which plays a significant role in osmoregulation, control of blood volume, pressure, and PH, absorption/excretion of different ions, and toxin metabolism, and (ii) the genital system, composed of the prostate, uterus, testes, ovaries, penis, and vagina, which are responsible for reproductive functions. Arboviruses can impair normal urogenital system functions by direct viral pathogen activity, systemic forms of inflammation, haemorrhagic events and related dysfunctions, and the nephrotoxic side effects of specific medications employed for treatment leading to various urogenital disorders. The present review provides an overview of the potential capacity of two main arboviruses, known as Zika and dengue viruses, to affect the urogenital system. Moreover, it addresses Zika virus as a potential therapeutic oncolytic virus for urogenital cancers.

The Association Between Male Viral Infections and Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples worldwide, with male factors contributing to half of all cases. However, infections, particularly those of reproductive tract, are increasingly recognized as important contributors to male infertility. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we focused on the impact of various viral infections on male infertility. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library on 20 October 2023. And included 135 studies involving 30,298 men of reproductive age. We found that the human papilloma virus (HPV)-infected group had a significantly higher DNA fragmentation index (DFI) than the non-infected group, with a mean difference (MD) of 5.64 (95% CI: 3.74-7.54). Conversely, the HPV-infected group had significantly lower sperm count, concentration, viability and normal morphology. Other viruses that affect semen quality include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). HBV significantly decreased fertilization rate, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99). HPV associated with lower clinical pregnancy rate (OR: 0.31 [95% CI: 0.16-0.62]) and higher miscarriage rate (OR: 5.28 [95% CI: 2.02-13.78]). Additionally, the fertility treatment group had a significantly higher rate of HPV infection (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.10-3.12]) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) infection (OR: 8.49 [95% CI: 2.66-27.10]) than the fertility group. Conclusively, most viral infections affect semen quality, while HBV and HPV may affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. HPV and AAV are risk factors for infertility.

Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples globally, with the incidence of male infertility steadily increasing. However, our understanding of the impact of viral infections on fertility remains limited. This review consolidates findings from previous studies, outlining 40 viruses identified in human semen and summarizing their key characteristics, modes of transmission, and their effects on both the reproductive and endocrine systems. Furthermore, it elucidates potential pathogenic mechanisms and treatment prospects of viruses strongly associated with male infertility. This synthesis will enhance our comprehension of how viral infections influence male reproductive health, offering valuable insights for future research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious infertility.

An Update on the Entomology, Virology, Pathogenesis, and Epidemiology Status of West Nile and Dengue Viruses in Europe (2018-2023)

In recent decades, increases in temperature and tropical rainfall have facilitated the spread of mosquito species into temperate zones. Mosquitoes are vectors for many viruses, including West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV), and pose a serious threat to public health. This review covers most of the current knowledge on the mosquito species associated with the transmission of WNV and DENV and their geographical distribution and discusses the main vertebrate hosts involved in the cycles of WNV or DENV. It also describes virological and pathogenic aspects of WNV or DENV infection, including emerging concepts linking WNV and DENV to the reproductive system. Furthermore, it provides an epidemiological analysis of the human cases of WNV and DENV reported in Europe, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023, with a particular focus on Italy. The first autochthonous cases of DENV infection, with the most likely vector being Aedes albopictus, have been observed in several European countries in recent years, with a high incidence in Italy in 2023. The lack of treatments and effective vaccines is a serious challenge. Currently, the primary strategy to prevent the spread of WNV and DENV infections in humans remains to limit the spread of mosquitoes.

Monkeypox and Male Fertility: Is There Any Looming Danger?

The Article Abstract is not Available.