No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Seminal Shedding Despite SARS-CoV-2 Persistence in the Upper Respiratory Tract

Abstract
RNA viruses (eg, Zika, Ebola, HIV) are often shed in male genital secretions. We evaluated the presence and level of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen, nasal secretion, and saliva collected after confirmed infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in semen 6-17 days after the onset of symptoms despite concomitant shedding in oral secretions.
Funding Information
  • John and Mary Tu Foundation
  • San Diego Center for AIDS Research (AI036214)
  • National Institutes of Health (5T32AI007384, AI131971)
  • University of California Office of the President (R00RG2725)