The proteins which are found in the human semen is called amyloid fibrils. The new research claimed that the proteins found in the semen increase the spread of Ebola virus.
The University of Pennsylvania conducted the study on this topic, and they found that the proteins fragment amyloid fibrils increase ebola virus infection in the human body. Also protects the virus against harsh environmental conditions such as heat and dehydration.
Ebola is the virus which is transferred through direct contact of the blood. Any body fluids from an Ebola-infected person can transfer this virus to someone else.
Studies of 2014 state that, Ebola-infected persons can keep this virus for at least two and half year. An ebola-infected person can have potential to transmit the virus while having sexual relation with someone. The study suggests avoiding all types of physical relationships with a person infected with Ebola virus.
Statement of Senior Author Paul Bates
“Sexual transmission of the Ebola virus poses a significant public health concern, especially in light of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
It was found that the infection level of cells is 20 times higher when it contains the amyloids. Amyloids which is the protein of the semen enhance the binding of the virus to cells and increases the ability of the virus to grow faster.
There are also some strategies to counter the attack of the amyloids. Such creating small molecules that burst the structure of amyloids.
Several types of amyloids are found in the semen that increases the risk of spreading Ebola virus. Such as HIV.
In the previous study James Shorter who is the co-author of the PNAS study, he identified that how the heat of the yeast shock the proteins and a small molecule called CLR01. This molecule could burst the formation of the amyloids and prevent the body from the Ebola virus.
Bart said, given the potential for sexual transmission to spark new Ebola infection chains, we feel we have found relevant factors that may be important for inhibiting the spread of Ebola.
The study of spreading Ebola virus through the amyloids is still going on.