דו״ח מאומת

112 college students reported the frequency of their sexual encounters and were divided into four categories: none, infrequent (less than once a week), frequent (one to two times per week), and very frequent (three or more times per week). Participants also described their overall sexual satisfaction. Saliva samples were collected and assayed for salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA). Individuals in the frequent group showed significantly higher levels of IgA than the other three groups, which were comparable. Data on length of relationship and sexual satisfaction were not related to the group differences.…

PMID: 15217036

The import of the HIV or AIDS epidemic for heterosexuals in Britain is difficult to evaluate at this stage. By June 1988, only 60 cases of heterosexually acquired AIDS are known, out of 1598 reported AIDS cases. Of these, only 6 women and 4 men presumably were infected in Britain, the rest abroad. But, judging from HIV seroprevalence surveys, heterosexually acquired HIV is emerging in Britain. 0.8% of heterosexual men and 0.7% of heterosexual women surveyed in London, among clients at a sexually transmitted disease clinic were positive, under anonymous testing. Actual seroprevalence rates are difficult to come by, since different rates are obtained when people are tested anonymously or with consent. The actual likelihood predicted for an epidemic of heterosexual AIDS in England is problematic. The epidemiological prediction, known as the basic reproductive rate, depends on the duration of infectiousness, the average probability that infection will be transmitted, and the rate of exposure to new partners. For AIDS, infectivity is higher in the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases and immune system activation. Experts calculate that the reproductive rate for HIV in the British population is close to 1.0, meaning a very slow spread, if any. Thus, very sophisticated epidemiological studies must be done to monitor the situation, and the public must continue to be educated about risky behavior.…

PMID: 2495040

The 2022-2024 global Mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, marks a pivotal shift in the virus's epidemiology, extending beyond its traditional endemic regions in Africa. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the evolving Mpox threat, analyzing the dynamics of MPXV clades (I, Ia/Ib, II, IIa/IIb), with a focus on the enhanced transmissibility of the emergent Clade Ib variant linked to APOBEC3-mediated mutations. We detail the virus's genetic and structural characteristics, its unique cytoplasmic replication cycle, and sophisticated immune evasion strategies, including the interference with type I interferon signaling and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The review examines changing transmission paradigms, highlighting the role of sustained human-to-human and sexual transmission in recent outbreaks, and discusses the clinical spectrum of disease, from classic febrile rash to atypical presentations and severe outcomes in immunocompromised individuals. A significant portion of this analysis is dedicated to the profound implications for reproductive health, covering vertical transmission with high rates of fetal loss, viral persistence in semen, and potential impacts on fertility. We evaluate current diagnostic standards, such as PCR, alongside emerging techniques, and assess the efficacy of antiviral therapies, including tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir. The status of vaccination, from second-generation (ACAM2000) to third-generation (MVA-BN and LC16m8) platforms, is critically appraised for its role in outbreak control. Furthermore, we explore the successes and hurdles of public health strategies, including surveillance, contact tracing, and community engagement, in managing stigma and ensuring equity. The review concludes by outlining future perspectives, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, accessible countermeasures, and research into broad-spectrum antivirals and vaccines to prepare for the ongoing threat of MPXV.…

PMID: 41737841

<h4>Background</h4>Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, remains a concern for reproductive health despite the waning of the 2015-2016 epidemic. Unique among arboviruses, ZIKV can be sexually transmitted, with viral RNA persisting in semen beyond the acute phase, posing potential risks to male fertility and assisted reproduction. This narrative review provides clinicians with a contemporary understanding of ZIKV epidemiology, virology, and its implications for male reproductive care.<h4>Results</h4>ZIKV transmission has stabilised into low-level endemicity in Central and South America, with Europe reporting sporadic travel-associated cases. Persistence in semen is underpinned by infection of immune-privileged testicular tissues, including Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells, enabling RNA detection for months post-infection even after systemic symptoms resolve. While replication-competent virus is rarely isolated beyond 4-6 weeks, viral RNA has been detected in semen over 180 days in rare cases. Clinically, ZIKV infection is associated with transient declines in sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation, likely mediated by inflammation, blood-testis barrier disruption, and impaired testosterone biosynthesis. Human studies suggest recovery of semen quality in most cases, but animal models demonstrate more persistent testicular damage and subfertility, supporting potential long-term reproductive impact. Current WHO guidance recommends a 3-month deferral from conception for men with confirmed or suspected ZIKV exposure. In assisted reproduction, cryopreserved semen from recently exposed individuals may retain viral RNA, requiring stringent handling and closed-system storage. Routine semen PCR testing is not widely adopted due to sensitivity limitations and inability to distinguish infectivity; thus, risk stratification based on travel and exposure history remains central to decision-making. In clinical practice, this risk stratification typically applies to men undergoing fertility assessment with recent travel to ZIKV-endemic regions, particularly in Central or South America, with compatible symptom history or recent onset infertility.<h4>Conclusions</h4>ZIKV remains a relevant consideration in andrology and fertility practice, particularly in regions with ongoing endemic transmission and in individuals with travel-related exposure. Awareness of its virological properties, reproductive implications, and guidance for pre-conception counselling, laboratory practice, and semen storage is crucial. With appropriate precautions and patient education, most couples can safely proceed with fertility planning following ZIKV exposure.…

PMID: 41814166