Zika virus tissue and blood compartmentalization in acute infection of rhesus macaques

Lark L. Coffey, Patricia A. Pesavento, Rebekah I. Keesler, Anil Singapuri, Jennifer Watanabe, Rie Watanabe, Jo Ann Yee, Eliza Bliss-Moreau, Christina Cruzen, Kari L. Christe, J. Rachel Reader, Wilhelm Von Morgenland, Anne M. Gibbons, A. Mark Allen, Jeff Linnen, Kui Gao, Eric Delwart, Graham Simmons, Mars Stone, Marion LanteriSonia Bakkour, Michael Busch, John Morrison, Koen K.A. Van Rompay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Animal models of Zika virus (ZIKV) are needed to better understand tropism and pathogenesis and to test candidate vaccines and therapies to curtail the pandemic. Humans and rhesus macaques possess similar fetal development and placental biology that is not shared between humans and rodents. We inoculated 2 non-pregnant rhesus macaques with a 2015 Brazilian ZIKV strain. Consistent with most human infections, the animals experienced no clinical disease but developed short-lived plasma viremias that cleared as neutralizing antibody developed. In 1 animal, viral RNA (vRNA) could be detected longer in whole blood than in plasma. Despite no major histopathologic changes, many adult tissues contained vRNA 14 days post-infection with highest levels in hemolymphatic tissues. These observations warrant further studies to investigate ZIKV persistence and its potential clinical implications for transmission via blood products or tissue and organ transplants.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0171148
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes

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