For the study, mice were administered the vaccine twice at two-week intervals. At two weeks after the final immunization, researchers injected the mice with the Zika virus. The vaccine completely protected the sperm and testes of mice from the virus.
“Given that we know that Zika virus infection can involve the male reproductive tract and persist in humans for several months after onset of infection, this preclinical data warrants further examination as a potential means to reduce Zika virus infection of the male reproductive tract and the risk of sexual transmission of the virus,” said Gary Kobinger, PhD, lead author of the study and Director of the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada.
More articles on Zika virus:
CDC: 5% of pregnant women in US territories with Zika had baby or fetus with birth defects
Puerto Rico says Zika outbreak has ended, CDC maintains travel warning: 3 notes
Testing for Zika increases 37% nationwide, athenahealth finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.