SARS-CoV-2 is not found in human semen during mild COVID-19 acute stage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the seminal sample of men during the acute phase of COVID-19. A prospective study was performed with inclusion of twenty-two men diagnosed with COVID-19 through RT-PCR from pharyngeal smear samples and who were in the acute phase of infection. These men were evaluated regarding medical history and physical examination. Furthermore, seminal samples of each men were collected 7, 14 and 21 days after the infection was confirmed. The sample were used for seminal analysis, as well as for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR technique. In addition, cell culture was performed with subsequent repetition of the analysis of viral presence. None of the semen samples collected was positive for the detection of the virus that causes COVID-19. Most of the men evaluated had a mild condition and the loss of smell was the most frequent symptom. There were no significant changes in seminal parameters within the period of study. Based on our pilot data, patients with a mild form of COVID-19 in the acute stage of the disease are unlikely to have SARS-CoV-2 in semen.