Parental infection in males causes alterations in the locomotor system in BALB/c mice fetuses

Objective: To investigate the impact of direct Zika virus infection on male fertility and the body development of mouse offspring. Methods: Adult BALB/C mice were divided into three experimental groups: placebo, immunosuppressed, and immunosuppressed/infected. Immunosuppressed males received dexamethasone (50 mg/kg), and the infected group was inoculated with 200 µl (1x10⁴) of ZIKV. After 35 days, the males were mated. Fertility assessments included the number of pregnant females, fetal viability, losses, and biometric measurements. Fetal body morphometry and analysis of skeletal ossification centers were also performed. Results: The infected group exhibited an 85% reduction in the ossification centers of the sternum. No significant differences were observed in other somatic, fertility, or placental parameters. Infection was confirmed by RT-PCR. Conclusion: Non-viable spermatozoa may be numerically insignificant or potentially reabsorbed by the epididymis, as no changes in fertility were observed. In terms of offspring development, the ZIKV-infected group exhibited skeletal alterations, suggesting a possible delay in locomotor system development.