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Testicular pathological alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Judy Ly1, Rafael K Campos2, E Eldridge Hager-Soto1
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Reproductive Health
|July 17, 2023
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect male reproductive health. Autopsy and animal studies show COVID-19 causes testicular damage and disrupts the blood-testes barrier (BTB).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic with significant mortality.
- While primarily known as a respiratory illness, SARS-CoV-2 can affect non-respiratory organs.
- Evidence suggests male reproductive system involvement, with observed histopathological lesions in the testes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review autopsy findings and animal model data on COVID-19-related testicular disease.
- To provide an overview of pathological alterations in the testes due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying testicular pathology in COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of autopsy studies examining male reproductive tracts.
- Analysis of findings from animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Compilation and synthesis of existing research on COVID-19 and testicular pathology.
Main Results:
- Autopsy studies revealed histopathological lesions in the male reproductive tract.
- Disruption of the blood-testes barrier (BTB) was observed in COVID-19 cases.
- Animal models corroborate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on testicular tissue.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 can lead to testicular disease in males.
- SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts testicular pathology and BTB integrity.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of testicular involvement.
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