Detection of SARS-CoV2 virus using the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in semen and seminal plasma from men with active COVID-19 infection – A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in various body fluids. Its presence in semen has been tested with contradictory results. This study aimed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus using the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in semen and seminal plasma from men with active COVID-19 infection. Methods: In a cross-sectional study at a COVID facility, men aged 20–45 years with active COVID-19 infection provided semen samples within 7 days of symptom onset or 5 days of nasopharyngeal rRT-PCR test positivity in asymptomatic men. Testing of SARS-CoV-2 was performed using rRT-PCR and semen analysis was done for sperm counts and motility as per the WHO (2010) standards. Results: A total of 37 men with a mean age of 32.2 ± 5.6 years were tested. SARS CoV-2 virus could not be isolated in any of the samples. Further, microscopic analysis done on 17 samples showed normal semen parameters during the active phase of disease. Conclusion: Men with mild COVID-19 disease or asymptomatic individuals do not shed virus in their semen, ruling out sexual contact as a mode of transmission in this subset of population.