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Enterovirus RNA shedding in the genital tract of childbearing‐aged women living in Central Africa
Author(s) -
Jacques Jérôme,
Bélec Laurent,
Moret Hélène,
Grésenguet Gérard,
Longo Jean de Dieu,
Chomont Nicolas,
Brodard Véronique,
Matta Mathieu,
Graesslin Oliver,
Andréoletti Laurent
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.20580
Subject(s) - virology , enterovirus , genital tract , viral shedding , sex organ , enterovirus infections , female circumcision , biology , medicine , virus , obstetrics , physiology , genetics
Enteroviruses (EVs) ( Picornaviridae ) in the female genital tract may constitute possible sources of antenatal or perinatal infection. The presence of EV genomes in the acellular part of cervicovaginal lavages of 119 non‐pregnant childbearing‐aged African women was determined using a semiquantitative RT‐PCR and hybridization detection assay. EV‐specific cervicovaginal IgA and IgG antibodies were also detected by immunocapture ELISA assays. Of 119 CVS samples tested, only 10 (8%) were positive for the detection of EV RNA, demonstrating an genital shedding of EVs in African woman. EV‐RNA positivity was not associated with the HIV serostatus or with the presence of semen traces in female genital secretion. The microwell hybridization assay of EV amplified RT‐PCR products indicated the presence of low levels of EV genomes, ranging from 50 to 100 RNA copies per ml of genital fluids. EV‐specific cervicovaginal IgA or IgG antibodies were detected only in two hemoglobin‐positive cervicovaginal secretions samples from women without genital EVs. The lack of EV specific IgA or IgG antibody secretion by the cervicovaginal mucosa supported the hypothesis of genital shedding of EVs without ongoing viral replication in the female genital tract. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the presence of EV genomes in nearly 10% of childbearing‐aged women living in Central Africa, and provided the basis of possible antenatal or perinatal transmission of EV from mother‐to‐child. J. Med. Virol. 78:591–597, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.