Can Marburg virus be sexually transmitted?
Background and Aim Marburg virus (MARV) is a highly virulent virus of animal origin and the cause of a lethal infection (known as Marburg virus disease [MVD]) with a case‐fatality ratio ranging from 24% to 90%. While the potential nonzoonotic routes of virus spread are plausible, the risk is not yet...
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| Published in: | Health science reports Vol. 7; no. 8; pp. e2270 - n/a |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
United States
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
01-08-2024
Wiley |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Background and Aim
Marburg virus (MARV) is a highly virulent virus of animal origin and the cause of a lethal infection (known as Marburg virus disease [MVD]) with a case‐fatality ratio ranging from 24% to 90%. While the potential nonzoonotic routes of virus spread are plausible, the risk is not yet fully determined. Here, we described the ways by which MARV spreads within the human population focusing mainly on the potential of sexual transmission. In addition, we addressed some measures that should be taken to minimize the risk of sexual spread of the virus and proposed a future research agenda on the risk of sexual transmission.
Methods
For this perspective, we searched four electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and included the most relevant studies published since the first identification of the virus in 1967. We used “Marburg virus,” “Marburg virus disease,” “Seminal fluid,” “Sexually‐transmitted virus,” “Sexual transmission,” and “Emerging infectious disease” as keywords.
Results
MARV is transmitted to humans via both direct and indirect contact with infected animals (most importantly bats) and individuals who have recently been diagnosed with or died of the disease. The virus transmission through sexual contact has been previously suspected (exclusively from men to their sexual partners). Studies suggest that this virus persists predominantly in testicular Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules over a relatively long period and is released through seminal fluid (in some reports >200 days post onset of infection) both could potentially threaten sexual health. In addition to men, women could theoretically, although less probably contribute to the sexual transmission of the disease.
Conclusion
MVD, however, rarely, could be passed through sex, and men appear to be the main carriers in this regard. Taking preventive countermeasures and practicing safe sex are recommended to reduce the risk of interhuman transmission.
Key points
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often lethal viral infection with epidemic potential recorded over the past few decades.
Marburg virus (MARV) spreads to humans via animal‐to‐human and human‐to‐human transmission.
MARV infects the male and likely female reproductive system with testes being the main site of virus persistence.
MARV sheds into genital fluids, particularly in the seminal fluid of male survivors, and probably could be passed, however rarely, through sex, even after the disease has resolved.
Sexual transmission of MVD is preventable by early detection, taking precautions, and practicing safer sex. |
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
| ISSN: | 2398-8835 2398-8835 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/hsr2.2270 |