Clinical Report: Seminal fibrils may facilitate mpox infection

Overview

This study demonstrates that human seminal fluid enhances mpox virus infection in primary human cells, significantly increasing viral attachment and uptake. The findings indicate that semen-derived fibrils, particularly SEVI and SEM, are involved in enhancing mpox infection across various cell types.

Background

Understanding the mechanisms of mpox transmission is critical, especially given the rising cases outside endemic regions. This research highlights the interactions between viral particles and seminal components.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Seminal fluid from all donors increased mpox-positive cells in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
• SEVI and SEM enhanced mpox infection in a dose-dependent manner.
• At 10 µg/mL of SEVI, infection increased with all tested mpox clades.
• SEVI increased infection in corneal epithelial cells from 4% to 54%.
• Adding SEVI post-infection did not increase infection, indicating its role in pre-infection exposure.

Clinical Implications

Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that seminal fibrils may enhance mpox infection. Further in vivo studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms.

Related Resources & Content

1. Torbica E., Emerging Microbes & Infections, 2023 -- Seminal fibrils may facilitate mpox infection
2. Frontiers in Immunology — Immunological mechanisms and precision stratification in male infertility: from testicular immune privilege and danger signal amplification to seminal immune biomarkers and mechanism-tailored intervention
3. Infection — Atypical Transmission of Mpox in a Heterosexual Female: A Case Study
4. The Journal of Infectious Diseases — Dynamic Landscape of Mpox Importation Risks Driven by Heavy-Tailed Sexual Contact Networks Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in 2022
5. MDSpire News — New Strategies Needed to Improve Health-Seeking Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Men With or at Risk of Mpox
6. Current guidance and epidemiology on mpox
7. Science Brief: Detection and Transmission of Mpox Virus
8. Tecovirimat for the Treatment of Mpox | New England Journal of Medicine