Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 and semen quality in COVID-19 patients

Author of the Study: The aim of this studywas to evaluate the possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen samples collected by young men with COVID-19 and their semen quality looking for a possible relationship between the infectious disease and fertility. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study we enrolled 15 consecutive men (age 18–50 ys) with positive oropharyngeal swab to SARS-CoV 2 and mild to moderate disease according to NCPPCP (7th edition) classification. Exclusion criteria were the presence of coomorbidities potentially related to infertility.Blood samples for the assay of FSH, LH, testosterone, procalcitonin, interleukin 6, C reactive protein was obtained. A semen sample was collected to detect SARSCoV viral RNA by the automated Real- Time PCR ELITe InGenius® system and the GeneFinderTM COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit assay (ELITechGroup, France). Moreover sperm examinations were performed according to WHO criteria. Results: SARS-CoV-2 RNA has not been detected in semen samples from none of the subjects analysed. sperm analysis exhibited abnormal seminal parameters in 13 out of 15 patients (87%). The inflammatory indices showed no differences in patients with abnormal semen compared to patients with normal semen. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 was not present in the semen while semen quality is altered in an high percentage of cases in this population.