A recent study published in The Lancet Microbe highlights groundbreaking findings about 22 viruses that can persist in human semen after acute infections. This systematic review underscores significant implications for disease transmission, male fertility, and public health strategies during outbreaks.

Viruses in Semen: Key Findings

The research identified that certain viruses, such as Ebola and Zika, can remain detectable in semen for extended periods, with some showing evidence of sexual transmission. The longest persistence recorded was for the Ebola virus, detected up to 988 days after recovery. The study examined data from over 24,000 articles and analyzed findings from 8,387 participants, revealing variations in viral persistence due to pathogen types, immune response, and detection methods.

Why Viruses Persist in Semen

The male reproductive tract is an immune-privileged site, allowing viruses to evade systemic immune responses and persist longer than in other parts of the body. Detection methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antigen assays confirmed the presence of replication-competent viruses, including dengue, Zika, and adenovirus.

Public Health Implications

This persistence has far-reaching consequences. Prolonged viral shedding in semen can contribute to disease resurgence even after outbreaks are controlled. For example, Zika virus was linked to sexual transmission, with persistence lasting a median of 57 days. Such findings highlight the need for guidelines to mitigate sexual transmission risks and protect reproductive health.

Call for Future Research

The study also emphasized the gaps in current research, particularly in understanding how immune status affects viral clearance. More systematic testing and longitudinal studies are necessary to develop therapeutic interventions and refine outbreak containment strategies. Join the Infectious Disease 2025 conferences to learn more about the latest research trends.

Conclusion

This review expands knowledge on viral persistence, identifying 22 viruses that can remain in semen after acute infection. With nine of these linked to sexual transmission, these findings have critical implications for public health, emphasizing the need for proactive measures during outbreaks.

More Information: Caitlin Pley, Laura Jung, Nadra Nurdin, et al. (2024) Duration of viral persistence in human semen after acute viral infection: a systematic review, The Lancet Microbe. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2024.101013.