key: cord-312331-k87js3aw
authors: Tatu, Alin Laurentiu; Nadasdy, Thomas; Nwabudike, Lawrence Chukwudi
title: New data about sexually transmitted COVID‐19
date: 2020-11-01
journal: Dermatol Ther
DOI: 10.1111/dth.14426
sha: 
doc_id: 312331
cord_uid: k87js3aw

nan

tial for sexual transmission via alternative forms of sexual contact, such as anal-oral contact. This currently seems like a plausible mechanism as viral shedding may indeed continue in the gastrointestinal tract for a period of time beyond that which can be proven through nasopharyngeal swab testing. 4 We also propose that close contact between partners might be a risk for viral transmission as the lipid envelope that encapsulates the coronavirus could allow it to be stable in areas with high sebum production such as on the hair of the scalp, eyelashes, ears, or beard. It is also possible that arthropods found on as evidenced by the ability of small molecules to interrupt viral attachment to host cells. 5 As such, we recommend strict hygiene measures be adhered to, especially in people who share close quarters. 6, 7 The presence of a viral rash on patients is an especially interesting subject.

Recent reports have been made of a vesicular coronavirus rash, and it is still unclear whether such rashes contain viral particles within the vesicular fluid. To date, real-time polymerase chain reaction assays from the vesicular fluid of suspected SARS-CoV-2 vesicles have been unable to demonstrate viral RNA, but current data are limited to only four patients and the study notes a lack of assay standardization and a low viral load as possible sources of error. 8 If such affirmations turn out to be true, this too could potentially be a source of viral contamination between sexual partners. 9 Bearing this in mind, we recommend that patients who present with a possible viral exanthem related to the SARS-CoV-2 refrain from close contact with others, and in such circumstances the recommendation of sexual abstinence would be appropriate.

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study. 

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