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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Ebola Virus | Review

Comparative analysis of viral infection outcomes in human seminal fluid from prior viral epidemics and Sars-CoV-2 may offer trends for viral sexual transmissibility and long-term reproductive health implications

Authors: James Frederick W. Pike, Emily L. Polley, David Y. Pritchett, Arnav Lal, Blake A. Wynia, William E. Roudebush, Renee J. Chosed

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Viral detection in seminal fluid indicates their potential for both sexual transmission and impairment of reproductive health. Review of the mechanistic entry, sexual transmission and viral impacts for patients during major recent viral outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV), Ebola virus (EBOV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV), and SARS-coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) (the virus which causes COVID-19) provides a framework to discuss this potential.

Aim

Comparative analysis of prior viral presence on seminal fluid against current (preliminary) findings for SARS-CoV-2 to predict biological implications of the novel coronavirus upon current sexual transmissibility, viral presence, and reproductive health.

Methodology and findings

Literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. ZIKV and EBOV were found to be present in semen and to be sexually transmitted, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to update their guidelines on prevention of the two viruses to include refraining from sexual contact. There are conflicting studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV in male reproductive tissue, but it has been linked to testicular atrophy and orchitis. To date, two studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, while seven studies have reported no positive detection.

Conclusions

Though unlikely in the majority of cases, SARS-CoV-2 can potentially be present in seminal fluid, although there are no reports of sexual transmission to date. Prior epidemics raise significant concerns regarding the long-term reproductive health capacity for patients who are affected by entry of Sars-CoV-2 into the reproductive tract, therefore more study is needed to clarify the impacts to reproductive health.

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Title: Comparative analysis of viral infection outcomes in human seminal fluid from prior viral epidemics and Sars-CoV-2 may offer trends for viral sexual transmissibility and long-term reproductive health implications
Authors: James Frederick W. Pike
Emily L. Polley
David Y. Pritchett
Arnav Lal
Blake A. Wynia
William E. Roudebush
Renee J. Chosed
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Ebola Virus
Zika Virus
Coronavirus
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Published in: Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01172-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Comparative analysis of viral infection outcomes in human seminal fluid from prior viral epidemics and Sars-CoV-2 may offer trends for viral sexual transmissibility and long-term reproductive health implications

Abstract

Background

Aim

Methodology and findings

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aim

Methodology and findings

Conclusions

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