Viral Infections and Implications for Male Reproductive Health

Overview

Journal Asian J Androl

Specialty Urology

Date 2021 Jan 21

PMID 33473014

Citations 21

Authors

Thiago A Teixeira

Yasmin C Oliveira

Felipe S Bernardes

Esper G Kallas

Amaro N Duarte-Neto

Sandro C Esteves

Joel R Drevet

Jorge Hallak

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Viral infections have haunted humankind since times immemorial. Overpopulation, globalization, and extensive deforestation have created an ideal environment for a viral spread with unknown and multiple shedding routes. Many viruses can infect the male reproductive tract, with potential adverse consequences to male reproductive health, including infertility and cancer. Moreover, some genital tract viral infections can be sexually transmitted, potentially impacting the resulting offspring's health. We have summarized the evidence concerning the presence and adverse effects of the relevant viruses on the reproductive tract (mumps virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Ebola virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses), their routes of infection, target organs and cells, prevalence and pattern of virus shedding in semen, as well as diagnosis/testing and treatment strategies. The pathophysiological understanding in the male genital tract is essential to assess its clinical impact on male reproductive health and guide future research.

Citing Articles

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