Around the world COVID-19 cases due predominantly to Omicron have subsided substantially,…
to the point where in many regions almost all pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. Unfortunately, in some places, particularly in Hong Kong where until Omicron was well-managed, cases are now out of control. Health systems are overwhelmed with cases peaking at over 50, 000 per day at the start of March. In China, where COVID-0 has always been the aim, cases are slowly starting to creep up particularly in the Guangdong region neighbouring Hong Kong; it will be interesting to see how China manages this “outbreak”; they have done very in controlling the virus to date.
As cases subside, much attention has now turned to pathologies associated with COVID-19, especially “long COVID”. A wide range of persisting lung pathologies and neurological conditions have been documented. In this context, a very interesting recent preprint highlights potential issues associated with the male genital tract.
Lead by Thomas J Hope from the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA, the recent study in rhesus macaques highlights a range abnormalities associated with the male genital tract. Using a radioactive probe and immunoPET imaging following SARS-CoV-2 infection numerous pathologies in the genital tract were identified including erectile dysfunction, decreased quality and count of sperm, testicular pain, increased prostate-specific antigen, and local thrombosis. Research indicates that 10-20% infected with SARS-CoV-2 have some genital tract dysfunction, and it is suggested that perhaps the testicles act as reservoirs for the virus.
This is a very interesting study and will be interesting to see how the research progresses, to increase our understanding of viral replication in the male genital tract. Importantly, how these findings will translate to specific mitigation strategies or therapies for COVID-related pathologies is critical.
While there not much good to come out of novel coronavirus and pandemic, at least, the sheer numbers of infections, will allow us to learn many things about viral transmission, replication, and pathologies for many years to come.
Until next time …