SARS-CoV-2 found in semen.


To date severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been detected in stool, gastrointestinal tract, saliva, and urine samples. A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open found that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the semen of patients with COVID-19 and may still be detected in the semen of recovering patients. It is proposed that because the imperfect blood-testes/deferens/epididymis barrier, SARS-CoV-2 could seed to the male reproductive tract, especially in the presence of systemic local inflammation. The authors state that “Even if the virus cannot replicate in the;  male reproductive system, it may persist, possibly resulting from the privileged immunity of testes.”

Source: Li et al., 2020. JAMA Netw Open

Source: Li et al., 2020. JAMA Netw Open

Journal Article: Li et al., 2020. Clinical Characteristics and Results of Semen Tests Among Men With Coronavirus Disease 2019. JAMA Network Open

Article By Clive Gray

 
 
 
 
 
 
International Union of Immunological SocietiesUniversity of South AfricaInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineScience Education PrizesElizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation