Effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on reproductive system

Stem Cell Res. 2021 Apr:52:102189. doi: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102189. Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Abstract

Since the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in December 2019, it has rapidly spread across many countries and it has become a crucial global health concern. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 infection not only effect on respiratory system, but on reproductive system of human. However, there has been not any review described the transmission paths and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human reproductive system, systematically. In order to describe the transmission paths of SARS-CoV-2, effect on the male/female reproductive system of SARS-CoV-2 and some successful prevention measures. We would like to review effect of SARS-CoV-2 on reproductive system. To conclude, SARS-CoV-2 infection might damage to male reproductive system via ACE2 receptor mediating and male patients were reportedly slightly more affected than women by SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); Reproductive system; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2); The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV); Transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / metabolism
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / virology
  • Genital Diseases, Male / virology
  • Genitalia / virology*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Male
  • Ovary / virology
  • Pregnancy
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Semen / virology
  • Sex Factors
  • Testis / virology
  • Uterus / virology

Substances

  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2