Infectious hepatitis E virus excreted into the vagina

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) persists in the male genital tract that associates with infertility. However, the presence of HEV in the female genital tract is unreported. Vaginal secretions, cervical smears, and cervix uteri were collected to explore the presence of HEV in the female genital tract. HEV RNA and/or antigens were detected in the vaginal secretions, cervical smears, and the cervix uteri of women. The infectivity of HEV excreted into vaginal secretions was further validated in vitro. In addition, HEV replicates in the female genital tract were identified in HEV‐infected animal models by vaginal injection or vaginal mucosal infection to imitate sexual transmission. Serious genital tract damage and inflammatory responses with significantly elevated mucosal innate immunity were observed in women or animals with HEV vaginal infection. Results demonstrated HEV replicates in the female genital tract and causes serious histopathological damage and inflammatory responses.

Infectious hepatitis E virus is associated with the mature sperm head

“…Despite multiple studies attempting to delineate the mechanism behind pregnancy mortality, a definitive answer is yet to be found. Recent discoveries demonstrating ability of HEV to replicate in the vagina [13] and human male testicular cells [14] demonstrates a new infection scenario that needs detailed investigation and its association with pregnancy mortality. Our study demonstrating infectious HEV in the sperm head raises concerns on a potentially new route of HEV transmission in humans.…”