The HKU research study of testicular damage of the infection, SARS-CoV-2, has actually been accepted for publication in the leading journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
The HKU team investigated the hormone and testicular modifications of hamsters infected by virus provided through the intranasal or direct testicular path using the influenza virus in the control group. The SARS-CoV-2 contaminated hamsters developed testicular atrophy with lowered testicular size and weight. Intranasal obstacle with Omicron and Delta variations were discovered to induce comparable testicular changes.
From 7 to 120 dpi, the swelling, degeneration, and necrosis of testicular tissue continued. Intranasal challenge with Omicron and Delta versions were discovered to cause comparable testicular changes. These testicular damages can be prevented by vaccination.
The control group of hamsters challenged by influenza A virus given intranasally or intra-testicularly revealed no testicular infection or damage.
Reference: “Severe intense respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections by intranasal or testicular shot causes testicular damage avoidable by vaccination in golden Syrian hamsters” by Can Li, Zhanhong Ye, Anna Jin-Xia Zhang, Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan, Wenchen Song, Feifei Liu, Yanxia Chen, Mike Yat-Wah Kwan, Andrew Chak-Yiu Lee, Yan Zhao, Bosco Ho-Yin Wong, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Jian-Piao Cai, David Christopher Lung, Siddharth Sridhar, Dongyan Jin, Hin Chu, Kelvin Kai-Wang To and Kwok-Yung Yuen, Accepted, Clinical Infectious Diseases.PDF
Previous research studies have actually reported testicular discomfort in COVID-19 patients. One autopsy study of males who passed away from COVID-19 showed orchitis with lots of testicular cell damage, however SARS -CoV-2 was not regularly discovered in semen specimens.
The HKU group examined the hormonal and testicular changes of hamsters infected by virus offered through the intranasal or direct testicular route utilizing the influenza infection in the control group. The research finds that virus-infected hamsters established self-limiting pneumonia. But even intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenge caused acute decline in sperm count, and serum testosterone beginning with the 4 to 7 days. The SARS-CoV-2 contaminated hamsters established testicular atrophy with reduced testicular size and weight. The serum sex hormonal agent level was noticeably lowered at 42 to 120 days after infection (dpi). Severe testicular swelling, haemorrhage, and necrosis of seminiferous tubules, and disruption of spermatogenesis were seen.
Researchers at the Department of Microbiology of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have actually found that the COVID19 infection can trigger intense testicular damage, persistent uneven testicular atrophy, and hormone modifications in hamsters regardless of a light pneumonia.
” In handling convalescent COVID-19 males, it is very important to be conscious of possible hypogonadism (low libido) and subfertility,” said Chair of Infectious Diseases Professor Kwok-yung Yuen, who led the research effort.” COVID-19 vaccination can prevent this problem.”
