Viruses, Vol. 15, Pages 2266: Presence and Persistence of Andes Virus RNA in Human Semen

In this study, we present the follow-up of a male patient who recovered from HCPS six years ago. We demonstrate that the ANDV genome persists within the reproductive tract for at least 71 months. Genome sequence analysis early and late after infection reveals a low number of mutations (two single nucleotide variants and one deletion), suggesting limited replication activity. We can exclude the integration of the viral genome into the host genome, since the treatment of the specimen with RNAse led to a loss of signal. We demonstrate a long-lasting, strong neutralizing antibody response using pseudovirions expressing the ANDV glycoprotein. Taken together, our results show that ANDV has the potential for sexual transmission.

Source: Viruses - November 17, 2023 Category: Virology Authors: Roland Z üst Rahel Ackermann-G äumann Nicole Liechti Denise Siegrist Sarah Ryter Jasmine Portmann Nicole Lenz Christian Beuret Roger Koller Cornelia Staehelin Andrea B. Kuenzli Jonas Marschall Sylvia Rothenberger Olivier Engler Tags: Article Source Type: research