Zika virus testing of asymptomatic patients undergoing assisted reproduction in Curitiba, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to report recent data on the infection and detection of Zika virus in infertile couples and to discuss the need to make disease surveillance compulsory in this population in order to decrease the burden on the healthcare system and expedite treatment onset. Methods: We collected and analyzed the results of Zika virus infection screening tests of infertile couples in a private clinic in the low-incidence region of Curitiba - Brazil. Results: Among the 1189 serologies performed, 98.5% were negative for Zika virus, 0.75% were positive, and 0.75% were inconclusive. The twenty-one reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests performed for confirmation of infection were negative. Conclusion: Zika virus infection screening for asymptomatic patients may lead to delayed fertility treatment initiation in addition to excessive expenses for the patients. Based on our results, we challenge the validity of mandatory screening, especially in low-incidence regions.