Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and sexual contact, and vertical transmission of ZIKV has also been observed in humans. In addition, ZIKV infection via unknown transmission routes has been frequently reported in clinical settings. However, whether ZIKV can be transmitted via aerosol routes remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that aerosolized ZIKV is fully infectious in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation with aerosolized ZIKV led to rapid viremia and viral secretion in saliva, as well as robust humoral and innate immune responses in guinea pigs. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that the expression of genes related to viral processes, biological regulation and the immune response was significantly changed. Together, our results confirm that aerosolized ZIKV can result in systemic infection and induce both innate and adaptive immune responses in guinea pigs, highlighting the possibility of ZIKV transmission via aerosols.
Keywords: Guinea pig; Zika virus; aerosol; animal model; transmission.