Abstract
In December 2019, in the province of Hubei (Wuhan-China), there was an outbreak of a coronavirus-associated pneumonia, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).(1) SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ECA 2) receptors that are expressed in multiple organs, including testicular tissue.(2) Protein S is most likely primed by transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which interacts with ACE receptors, resulting in the successful entry of the virus into the cell.
Highlights
Dear Editor: In December 2019, in the province of Hubei (Wuhan-China), there was an outbreak of a coronavirus-associated pneumonia, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).(1) SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ECA 2) receptors that are expressed in multiple organs, including testicular tissue.[2]
Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of the disease were the first to be described [3] but some authors reported testicular discomfort in cases of acute infection.[2]. Aerosols and contact are the main transmission routes of this virus;(4) SARS-CoV-2 has been found to be present in semen samples from COVID-19-positive patients and those in recovery.[5]
The testes possess a privileged immune system that protects immunogenic germ cells from the host’s systemic response.[2]. Even so, SARS-CoV-2, like other viruses, could cross the blood barrier of the testes and trigger an inflammatory response.[2,5] If viral replication does not occur, this pathogen could persist due to the specialized testicular immune defense system.[5]. Damage to this immune environment can lead to orchitis, testicular injuries, and male fertility impairment[4] because of widespread destruction of germ cells and sperm, secondary to leukocyte infiltration.[1]
Summary
Dear Editor: In December 2019, in the province of Hubei (Wuhan-China), there was an outbreak of a coronavirus-associated pneumonia, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19).(1) SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ECA 2) receptors that are expressed in multiple organs, including testicular tissue.[2]. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of the disease were the first to be described [3] but some authors reported testicular discomfort in cases of acute infection.[2] Aerosols and contact are the main transmission routes of this virus;(4) SARS-CoV-2 has been found to be present in semen samples from COVID-19-positive patients and those in recovery.[5]
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