ZIKA TARGETS TESTES

Zika virus not only causes birth defects but may cause male infertility by shrinking the testicles, according to research published in Science Advances.

A team from Yale University injected mice with a non-lethal strain of the disease. The mice became ill five days later. Within 21 days their testicles had atrophied.

Further investigation revealed Zika particles in the epididymal duct, which stores sperm, explaining how male-tofemale transmission may occur.

The virus was also present in Leydig cells which secrete testosterone. The virus may interfere with the cells’ capacity to produce normal amounts of testosterone, leading to organ shrinkage.

The researchers worry that in humans, where Zika has been detected in testicles, the virus might have a similar effect.

CREDIT: PRABAGARAN ESAKKY An infected mouse: the internal structure of the testicle has collapsed and few developing sperm (pink) are present.