Researchers examined semen specimens from 38 male patients with confirmed COVID-19 at a hospital in China between Jan. 26 and Feb. 16. The patients were 15 years and older.
They found the virus’ genetic material in specimens from six patients (15.8 percent), of which two were patients in recovery.
The study did not confirm whether the virus detected in samples was infectious. Researchers only detected fragments of the genetic material, Stanley Perlman, MD, PhD, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, told The New York Times. Dr. Perlman was not involved in the study.
“This is an interesting finding, but it must be confirmed that there is infectious virus — not just a virus product in the semen,” he said.
More articles on infection control:
Shortage of protective gear leads hospitals to buy and keep faulty N95 masks
Policies at Pennsylvania hospitals endangered patients, staff, whistleblowers say
Extended use of N95s is safer than reuse, ECRI suggests
