Evidence of Ebola Virus Replication and High Concentration in Semen of a Patient During Recovery

Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Oct 15;65(8):1400-1403. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix518.

Abstract

In one patient over time, we found that concentration of Ebola virus RNA in semen during recovery is remarkably higher than blood at peak illness. Virus in semen is replication-competent with no change in viral genome over time. Presence of sense RNA suggests replication in cells present in semen.

Keywords: Ebola; persistence; replication; semen; sexual transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ebolavirus / classification
  • Ebolavirus / genetics*
  • Genome, Viral / genetics
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Semen / virology*
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • RNA, Viral