Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Chikungunya Virus Detection in Semen

France15 participantsStarted 2025-05

Plain-language summary

Chikungunya is an arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, present in intertropical zones and Europe. In August 2024, autochthonous cases appeared on Réunion, followed by a large epidemic. In March 2025, the incidence surpassed 2,000 cases per week. Due to a lack of data, the Haut Comité de Santé Publique issued an unfavorable opinion on using substances of human origin during the epidemic. Although the presence of Chikungunya virus genome in semen has been reported in 7 men, the incidence of viral excretion is unknown. This raises concerns about the risk of sexual transmission and infectivity, especially in assisted reproductive technologies. Previous studies on other arboviruses (Zika, dengue) have explored genital excretion. The goal of this prospective pilot study is to investigate Chikungunya virus presence and infectivity in semen, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of sperm preparation methods in obtaining virus-free gametes. Fifteen patients with acute Chikungunya virus infection will provide blood, urine, and semen samples at different time points (7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days post-symptom onset). Seminal plasma, native sperm cells, and prepared sperm fractions will be tested for Chikungunya virus RNA at the University Hospital of La Réunion and Toulouse. This study will provide insights into viral excretion patterns and help improve the safety of medically assisted reproduction in epidemic situations.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged 18 to 45 years. * Patient in the acute phase of CHIKV infection, presenting clinical criteria (known onset of clinical symptoms) that, while not specific, can be highly suggestive in an epidemic area, such as: fever, fatigue, nausea, rash, arthritis/arthralgia, myalgia, headaches, conjunctivitis, and ocular pain. * Detection of Chikungunya virus genome by Reverse Transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in blood or urine. * Patient capable of traveling to the laboratory for sample collection. * Patient who has given informed and voluntary consent and signed the consent form. * Patient affiliated with a social security system or equivalent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with an ejaculation disorder, unable to provide a semen sample, or with an abnormal semen volume (\<1.5 mL). * Patient with confirmed male infertility. * Patients under judicial protection, guardianship, or curatorship. * Patient already included in another research protocol.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of Participants with Chikungunya virus genomic RNA in sperm

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06983548

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02

Contact for this trial

Elie MOUANES ABELIN

05 67 77 10 07 mouanesabelin.e@chu-toulouse.fr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chikungunya Virus Infection trials