Persistence of Ebola virus in semen among Ebola virus disease survivors in Sierra Leone: A cohort study of frequency, duration, and risk factors.

Anna ThorsonG F DeenKyle T BernsteinW J LiuF Yamba Ndema Habib F R SesayP GaillardThomas A Massaquoi Suzanna L R McDonaldY ZhangKara N DurskiS SingaraveluE ErvinH LiuA CoursierJ E MarrinanArchchun Ariyarajah M Carino Pierre B H FormentyU StröherM LamunuG WuF SahrW XuB Knust Nathalie Jeanne Nicole Broutetnull null

Published in: PLoS medicine (2021)

In this study we observed that EBOV RNA persistence in semen was a frequent phenomenon, with high population rates over time. This finding will inform forthcoming updated recommendations on risk reduction strategies relating to sexual transmission of EBOV. Our findings support implementation of a semen testing program as part of epidemic preparedness and response. Further, the results will enable planning of the magnitude of testing and targeted counseling needs over time.

Keyphrases

risk factors
quality improvement
public health
primary care
healthcare
young adults
smoking cessation
clinical practice
hiv testing