ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and sexual contact, and vertical transmission of ZIKV has also been observed in humans. In addition, ZIKV infection via unknown transmission routes has been frequently reported in clinical settings. However, whether ZIKV can be transmitted via aerosol routes remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that aerosolized ZIKV is fully infectious in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation with aerosolized ZIKV led to rapid viremia and viral secretion in saliva, as well as robust humoral and innate immune responses in guinea pigs. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that the expression of genes related to viral processes, biological regulation and the immune response was significantly changed. Together, our results confirm that aerosolized ZIKV can result in systemic infection and induce both innate and adaptive immune responses in guinea pigs, highlighting the possibility of ZIKV transmission via aerosols.

摘要

寨卡病毒（ZIKV）主要通过蚊虫叮咬和性接触传播，在人类中也观察到寨卡病毒垂直传播。此外，临床环境中经常报告通过未知传播途径感染 ZIKV。然而，ZIKV 是否可以通过气溶胶途径传播仍然未知。在这项研究中，我们证明了雾化 ZIKV 在体外和体内具有完全传染性。值得注意的是，气管内 (it) 接种雾化 ZIKV 导致快速的病毒血症和唾液中的病毒分泌，以及在豚鼠中强烈的体液和先天免疫反应。转录组分析进一步表明，与病毒过程、生物调节和免疫反应相关的基因表达发生了显着变化。一起，