Viral Persistence: Analysis of Zika Virus and Other Sexually Transmittable Diseases

Abstract

This “microreview” explores two separate studies, the first of which is specifically related to Zika virus, and the second of which is a broader analysis of sexually transmittable diseases and their persistence.  Calvet et al. (2017) are seeking to conduct a longitudinal study on patients in Brazil who have tested positive for Zika virus by regularly testing their bodily fluids and analyzing the results.  Their longitudinal study is on-going.  Salam and Horby (2017) provide an examination of twenty-seven viruses, all of which are found in human semen.  Through these two analyses, this paper seeks to provide a novel overview of sexually transmitted diseases, with an emphasis on Zika virus.