Counotte, MJ; L, Maxwell; Cr, Kim; Njn, Broutet; Low, N (2017). O14.6 Sexual transmission of flaviviruses – a living systematic review. Sexually transmitted infections, 93(Suppl 2), A33.2-A34. BMJ Publishing Group 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053264.83
![[img]](https://boris.unibe.ch/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
Counotte STI and HIV World Conference 2017_abstract.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (92kB) |
Introduction
Flaviviruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), are pri-marily transmitted by infected arthropods. Evidence indicatesthat some of these viruses can be transmitted between persons
through sexual intercourse. Sexual transmission of ZIKV is of special interest because of the risk of congenital abnormalities such as microcephaly. Several health agencies have produced guidelines on the prevention of sexual transmission of ZIKV, but there are many uncertainties. A systematic approach to assessment of the risk and epidemic potential of sexual transmission of flaviviruses is therefore crucial.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review with questions derived from a conceptual framework of the key parameters that drive infection transmission. We searched multiple databases and websites for studies of any design and in any language. Because of the rapid increase in publications, we have developed the review as a living systematic review, allowing
continual updating of the findings.
Results
By January 10th 2017, we identified 28 unique reported cases of likely sexual transmission of ZIKV in 9 countries; 20 male to female, three female to male, one male
to male, four unknown. In the US, 1% (36/4,310) of reported travel-associated ZIKV cases likely resulted from sexual contact. ZIKV has been detected by PCR for up to 188 days in
semen and 14 days in vaginal secretions. Two of three included modelling studies quantified the contribution of the sexual transmission route, two studies estimated the
proportion of ZIKV cases due to sexual transmission: 0.03
(95% CI: 0.001 – 0.46) and 0.23 (0.01 – 0.47). One publication about possible sexual transmission of West Nile virus has been identified so far.
Conclusion
Sexual transmission of ZIKV can occur but is likely not sufficient to sustain an epidemic. In high risk groups with frequent sexual partner change, it might contribute more to secondary transmission. We are tracking this fastmoving research field in a living systematic review to fill gaps in the evidence about the risks and prevention of sexual transmission of flaviviruses.
Item Type: |
Conference or Workshop Item (Abstract) |
|---|---|
Division/Institute: |
04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) |
UniBE Contributor: |
Counotte, Michel Jacques, Low, Nicola |
Subjects: |
600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health 300 Social sciences, sociology & anthropology > 360 Social problems & social services |
ISSN: |
1368-4973 |
Publisher: |
BMJ Publishing Group |
Language: |
English |
Submitter: |
Tanya Karrer |
Date Deposited: |
08 Jun 2018 01:18 |
Last Modified: |
05 Dec 2022 15:14 |
Publisher DOI: |
10.1136/sextrans-2017-053264.83 |
BORIS DOI: |
10.7892/boris.116938 |
URI: |
https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/116938 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit item |