Semin Reprod Med 2016; 34(05): 293-298
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592067
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Keeping the Zika Virus Out of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratory

Chantel I. Washington
1   Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Sara Haque
2   Division of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
James H. Segars
2   Division of Reproductive Sciences and Women's Health Research, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Nabal Bracero
3   GENES Fertility Institute, San Juan, Puerto Rico
,
Fernando Rodriguez
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GENES Fertility Institute, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
,
G. David Ball
5   Seattle Reproductive Medicine, Seattle, Washington
,
Owen K. Davis
6   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 September 2016 (online)

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Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic spreading through South and Central America, as well as several U.S. territories has created worldwide concern as the linkage between ZIKV infection and microcephaly has been established. Both travel associated and sexually transmitted cases have put couples who live in nonendemic areas at risk of falling victim to effects of Zika. The presence of ZIKV within reproductive tissues may pose a significant threat to patients seeking fertility services and to safety of the tissues currently housed in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the mechanism of ZIKV sexual transmission. Just as strict guidelines have been set regarding the screening and handling of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus–positive patient tissues, similar recommendations are needed to prevent contamination and inadvertent transmission within the ART laboratory.