SARS-CoV-2 RNA Shedding in Semen and Oligozoospermia of Patient with Severe Coronavirus Disease 11 Weeks after Infection

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Jan;28(1):196-200. doi: 10.3201/eid2801.211521. Epub 2021 Oct 13.

Abstract

We report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in semen by using quantitative reverse transcription PCR during the late convalescent phase. Virus was associated with adequate humoral and cell-mediated responses, suggesting possible seeding of the immune-privileged testes. We provide longitudinal semen quality data for 6 other men, including 3 who had oligozoospermia.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; respiratory infections; semen; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; shedding; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oligospermia*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Semen
  • Semen Analysis
  • Virus Shedding

Substances

  • RNA, Viral