Virus particles found in COVID-19 infected men’s sperm: study

Experts have established that in humans, the novel coronavirus does not only affect the lungs, but has also been found in the heart, kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal system. Now, a study from China reveals that the virus was detected in the sperm on men who had recovered from COVID-19.

The study was carried out on 38 men, between 15 years and older, with lab-confirmed COVID-19 at the Shangqiu Municipal Hospital in Henan province. Among the men, 23 had recovered and 15 were at the acute stage of infection.

The study found that six patients had results positive for the novel coronavirus, including four of 15 patients who were at the acute stage of infection and two of 23 patients who had recovered.

However, the authors of the study have said it is not clear yet if the virus or its particles that were found were infectious. They also stressed the need for more studies on larger sample sizes.

“Even if the virus cannot replicate in the male reproductive system, it may persist, possibly resulting from the privileged immunity of testes,” the team added. Privileged immunity means that the virus can remain in the testes without causing inflammation as the immune system cannot reach the region.

This research slightly raises the possibility that COVID-19 could be transmitted sexually through semen. Twenty-seven other viruses have already been found in sperm, including Ebola and Zika, so it is not a new phenomenon.

But researchers say if it is conclusively proven that infectious virus particles exist in the semen, there would be a need to add preventive measures for sexual transmission.

They added: “Abstinence or condom use might be considered as preventive means for these patients. In addition, it is worth noting that there is a need for studies monitoring foetal development.”

from Coronavirus – SAMAA https://ift.tt/2AaisBS