Ebola Virus Infects Reproductive Organs in Monkeys
Published:13 Feb.2018 Source:Science Daily
Ebola virus can infect the reproductive organs of male and female macaques, according to a new study, suggesting humans could be similarly infected. Prior studies of survivors of the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa have revealed sexual transmission of Ebola virus, and viral RNA can persist in semen following recovery. While little is known about viral persistence in female reproductive tissues, pregnant women with Ebola virus disease have a maternal death rate of more than 80 percent and a fetal death rate of nearly 100 percent.