Hepatitis E viral infection causes testicular damage in mice

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2020-02, Vol.541, p.150-159
• Main Authors: Situ, Jianwen, Wang, Wenjing, Long, Feiyan, Yang, Weimin, Yang, Chenchen, Wei, Daqiao, Yu, Wenhai, Huang, Fen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: HEV infection; Male genital tract; Sperm quality; Testicular damage
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.12.009

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main pathogen of hepatitis E infections with multiple extrahepatic replication sites. The presence of HEV RNA in the semen of infertile males suggests HEV replicates in the male genital tract. However, the mechanism is largely remained elusive. A BALB/c-based animal model was used to evaluate the effects of HEV infection on the testicular damage. HEV RNA was detected in feces, blood and livers from 7 to 28 days post-inoculation (dpi), while was positive in male genital tract from 7 to 70 dpi. Positive signals of HEV antigens were observed in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles (SVs). Impaired sperm quality, destroyed the blood–testis barrier (BTB) and drastically decreased spermatogonia suggested that HEV infection causes testicular damage. Antiviral immune response was barely found in the testes. Results demonstrated that HEV replicates in male genital tract, causes testicular damage, and consequently results in flawed fertility. [Display omitted] •Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide.•HEV has been detected in the semen of male, but the pathogenesis is unknown.•We found HEV replicates in male genital tract with longer duration until 90 dpi.•HEV infection impairs sperm quality with reductions in sperm motility and vitality.•HEV destroys the BTBs and results in germ cell necrosis and apoptosis.