Zika Virus Infection in Dexamethasone-immunosuppressed Mice Demonstrating Disseminated Infection with Multi-organ Involvement Including Orchitis Effectively Treated by Recombinant Type I Interferons

Chan, Jasper Fuk-Woo; Zhang, Anna Jinxia; Chan, Chris Chung-Sing; Yip, Cyril Chik-Yan; Mak, Winger Wing-Nga; Zhu, Houshun; Poon, Vincent Kwok-Man; Tee, Kah-Meng; Zhu, Zheng; Cai, Jian-Piao; Tsang, Jessica Oi-Ling; Chik, Kenn Ka-Heng; Yin, Feifei; Chan, Kwok-Hung; Kok, Kin-Hang; Jin, Dong-Yan; Au-Yeung, Rex Kwok-Him; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

In summary, this novel mouse model is useful for investigating host immune response-associated damage of and evaluating countermeasures for ZIKV infection. Inflammation of different visceral organs may be important complications of ZIKV that should be further studied in infected humans. Long-term monitoring of the testicular function of ZIKVinfected male patients should be considered. Clinical trials should be , Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) 1920 IU/dose every 96 h subcutaneously at 1 dpi, 5 dpi, and 9 dpi or interferon-β1b (Betaferon®, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) 160,000 IU/dose every 48 h intraperitoneally at 1 dpi, 3 dpi, 5 dpi, 7 dpi, and 9 dpi. No interferon treatment group (n = 6), interferon-α2b treatment group (n = 8), and interferon-β1b treatment group (n = 8). Results were combined from two independent experiments. P-values b0.05 are indicated by (no interferon treatment versus interferon-α2b treatment) and * (no interferon treatment versus interferon-β1b treatment). Abbreviation: IFN, interferon. Clinical scores: normal = 0; ruffled fur = 2; lethargy, pinched, hunched, wasp waisted = 3; labored breathing, rapid breathing, inactive, neurological = 5; and immobile = 10.