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Redgrove KA, McLaughlin EA. The Role of the Immune Response in Chlamydia trachomatis Infection of the Male Genital Tract: A Double-Edged Sword. Front Immunol 2014; 5:534. [PMID: 25386180 PMCID: PMC4209867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the world, with more than 100 million cases reported annually. While there have been extensive studies into the adverse effects that CT infection has on the female genital tract, and on the subsequent ability of these women to conceive, studies into the consequences on male fertility have been limited and controversial. This is in part due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection, where it is estimated that 50% of men with Chlamydia fail to show any symptoms. It is accepted, however, that acute and/or persistent CT infection is the causative agent for conditions such as urethritis, epididymitis, epididymo-orchitis, and potentially prostatitis. As with most infections, the immune system plays a fundamental role in the body’s attempts to eradicate the infection. The first and most important immune response to Chlamydia infection is a local one, whereby immune cells such as leukocytes are recruited to the site of infections, and subsequently secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as interferon gamma. Immune cells also work to initiate and potentiate chronic inflammation through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the release of molecules with degradative properties including defensins, elastase, collagenase, cathespins, and lysozyme. This long-term inflammation can lead to cell proliferation (a possible precursor to cancer), tissue remodeling, and scarring, as well as being linked to the onset of autoimmune responses in genetically disposed individuals. This review will focus on the ability of the immune system to recognize and clear acute and persistent chlamydial infections in the male genital tract, and on the paradoxical damage that chronic inflammation resulting from the infection can cause on the reproductive health of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Redgrove
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia ; School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia ; School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, NSW , Australia
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Sellami H, Znazen A, Sellami A, Mnif H, Louati N, Zarrouk SB, Keskes L, Rebai T, Gdoura R, Hammami A. Molecular detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted bacteria in semen of male partners of infertile couples in Tunisia: the effect on semen parameters and spermatozoa apoptosis markers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98903. [PMID: 25019616 PMCID: PMC4096407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasmas, and Ureaplasmas in semen samples of the male partners of infertile couples and to investigate whether Chlamydia trachomatis could initiate apoptosis in human spermatozoa. A total of 85 males partners of infertile couples undergoing routine semen analysis according to World Health Organization guidelines were included. Specimens were examined for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum by Real time PCR (qPCR). Semen specimens were analysed for the appearance of apoptotic markers (sperm DNA fragmentation, activated caspase 3 levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm)) using flow cytometry. C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, U. urealyticum, M genitalium were detected in semen samples of 13 (15.2%), 5 (5.8%), 5 (5.8%) and 3 (3.5%) male partners of infertile couples, respectively. M. hominis and U. parvum were detected in semen sample of only one patient (1.1%). The semen of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis showed lower mean of semen count and lower rapid progressive motility (category [a]) of spermatozoa compared to uninfected men with statistically significances (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated a significant increase of the mean rate of semen with low ΔΨm and caspase 3 activation of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis compared to uninfected men (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). DNA fragmentation was also increased in sperm of infertile men positive for C. trachomatis compared to uninfected men but without statistical significances (p = 0.62). Chlamydial infection was associated to loss of ΔΨm and caspase 3activation. Thus, C. trachomatis infection could be incriminated in apoptosis induction of spermatozoa. These effects may explain the negative direct impact of C. trachomatis infection on sperm fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanen Sellami
- Department of Microbiology and research laboratory “Microorganismes et Pathologies Humaines”, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Abir Znazen
- Department of Microbiology and research laboratory “Microorganismes et Pathologies Humaines”, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Afifa Sellami
- Histology Embryology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hela Mnif
- Sfax Regional Center of Blood Transfusion, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nour Louati
- Sfax Regional Center of Blood Transfusion, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Ben Zarrouk
- Histology Embryology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Leila Keskes
- Histology Embryology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tarek Rebai
- Histology Embryology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Radhouane Gdoura
- Unit Research of Toxicology-Microbiology Environmental and Health, Sciences Faculty of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Adnene Hammami
- Department of Microbiology and research laboratory “Microorganismes et Pathologies Humaines”, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Abstract
We have shown previously that the in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to elementary bodies (EBs) of Chlamydia trachomatis can lead to sperm death over a number of hours of incubation. As such, we have hypothesized that the ejaculates of men with a chlamydial infection could contain increased numbers of nonmotile (dead) spermatozoa if they are exposed to EBs prior to ejaculation. To test this hypothesis, the ejaculates of 642 men undergoing diagnostic semen analysis as part of ongoing infertility investigations with their partner were examined. All men were without symptoms of genitourinary infections and semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organisation (WHO) 1999 methods after a 3-5 day abstinence period. In addition to semen analysis, nested plasmid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was undertaken on the ejaculate to detect the presence of C trachomatis DNA. A total of 31 semen specimens (4.9%) were found to be positive, and in 28 of these, the diagnosis was confirmed using the ligase chain reaction (LCR). Men whose ejaculates were PCR positive for chlamydial DNA had a significantly (P <.05) higher mean concentration of leukocytes (1.71 +/- 2.20 x 10(6) per mL) and a higher mean ejaculate volume (3.45 +/- 1.52 mL) than in those whose ejaculates were PCR negative (leukocyte concentration: 0.67 +/- 2.59 x 10(6) per mL; volume 2.93 +/- 1.38 mL). Leukocytospermia was twice as common in men that were PCR positive for chlamydial DNA (P <.05) but it was not always associated with the presence of chlamydial DNA in semen. However, there was no difference in the mean percent motility between the 2 groups and the proportion of asthenozoospermia also did not differ. Because these results do not confirm the hypothesis proposed from our in vitro experiments, further work needs to be undertaken to understand whether human spermatozoa are actually exposed to elementary bodies of C trachomatis in an infected individual prior to ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Hosseinzadeh
- Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Yamazaki T, Matsumoto M, Matsuo J, Abe K, Minami K, Yamaguchi H. Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis in Ureaplasma-positive healthy women attending their first prenatal visit in a community hospital in Sapporo, Japan. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:82. [PMID: 22471518 PMCID: PMC3342208 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly reported pathogen that causes urogenital infection such as urethritis or cervicitis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum, which are commensals in the genital tract, have also now been recognized as contributors to urogenital infection. However, whether the presence of either U. parvum or U. urealyticum is related to that of C. trachomatis in the urogenital tract remains unknown. We therefore attempted to estimate by PCR the prevalence of C. trachomatis, U. parvum and U. urealyticum in endocervical samples obtained from healthy women attending their first prenatal visit in Sapporo, Japan. METHODS The samples were taken from 303 apparently healthy women, and the extracted DNAs (n = 280) were used for PCR detection targeting C. trachomatis, U. parvum and U. urealyticum. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS PCR detection revealed that the prevalence of C. trachomatis, U. parvum and U. urealyticum was 14.3% (40/280), 41.7% (117/280) and 8.9% (25/280), respectively. C. trachomatis ompA genotype D was most frequently identified. Surprisingly, either C. trachomatis or Ureaplasma spp. was detected in almost half of the healthy women. Mixed infection of C. trachomatis with either U. parvum or U. urealyticum was also observed in 9.2% (26/280) of the women. There was a significant association between C. trachomatis and either U. parvum (p = 0.023) or Ureaplasma total (p = 0.013), but not U. urealyticum (p = 0.275). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the presence of Ureaplasma had a significant effect on the presence of C. trachomatis in the genital tract of healthy women, suggesting that mixed infection is an important factor in bacterial pathogenesis in the genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Yamazaki
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma infections in infertile couples and effects of these infections on fertility. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010; 283:379-85. [PMID: 20978774 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-010-1726-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In our study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections among infertile couples and effects of these infections on infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prevalence of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antibodies and Chlamydia IgM antibodies and its effect on these agents' sperm parameters, namely, morphology, density, and motility were investigated among a total of 212 patients including fertile and infertile couples. Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antigens were evaluated using ELISA in the cervical and urethral samples. Chlamydia IgM antibody was measured using micro-ELISA in blood samples. RESULTS No difference was detected among the fertile and infertile groups in the serological investigation of urethral and cervical samples with respect to the prevalence of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antigens and Chlamydia IgM antibody and sperm parameters (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION There is no significant difference between fertile and infertile couples in terms of the prevalence of the above mentioned infections. Accordingly, during the infertility assessment, infertile couples should not be routinely screened for these infective agents without any clinically sound evidence.
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Eley A, Pacey AA. The value of testing semen for Chlamydia trachomatis in men of infertile couples. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:391-401. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cunningham KA, Beagley KW. Male Genital Tract Chlamydial Infection: Implications for Pathology and Infertility1. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:180-9. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.067835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Hamdad-Daoudi F, Petit J, Eb F. Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in asymptomatic male partners of infertile couples. J Med Microbiol 2004; 53:985-990. [PMID: 15358820 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.45641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Three specimens from 111 asymptomatic male partners of infertile couples attending the Department of Urology in Amiens, France, were examined by the PCR COBAS AMPLICOR test (Roche Molecular Diagnostics) for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. The specimens analysed were: first void urine (FVU), urine obtained after prostatic massage (UPM) and semen specimens. Serum from each patient was also obtained and analysed for the presence of IgG and IgA chlamydial antibodies by in-house microimmunofluorescence (MIF) and pELISA. C. trachomatis was detected by PCR in 5.4% of FVU samples, 2.7% of semen specimens and in 0.9% of UPM samples. Two treatments for processing the samples (storage at -70 degrees C and heating to 95 degrees C) were routinely used before initial testing to reduce the effects of inhibitors of PCR. Despite these precautions, the PCR method revealed the presence of inhibitors in 7.3% of semen specimens and 3.6% of FVU samples. C. trachomatis was detected by PCR COBAS AMPLICOR in seven of 111 patients (6.3%) and by serology in five of 111 patients (4.5%). The detection of C. trachomatis in FVU, UPM and semen specimens can serve as a marker for the presence of this organism in the genital tract, and can be used as a reliable way of detecting asymptomatic carriers of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Hamdad-Daoudi
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Laboratory1 and Department of Urology2, University Hospital, Amiens, Place Victor Pauchet, 80054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Jacques Petit
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Laboratory1 and Department of Urology2, University Hospital, Amiens, Place Victor Pauchet, 80054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - François Eb
- Bacteriology-Hygiene Laboratory1 and Department of Urology2, University Hospital, Amiens, Place Victor Pauchet, 80054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
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Wong WY, Thomas CM, Merkus JM, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Male factor subfertility: possible causes and the impact of nutritional factors. Fertil Steril 2000; 73:435-42. [PMID: 10688992 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review possible causes for male factor subfertility with emphasis on nutritional factors such as zinc and folate. DESIGN A literature search was performed on MEDLINE and via bibliographies of published works. RESULT(S) Many causes for male factor subfertility are described in the literature. Both environmental and genetic factors could play a role. However, the pathogenesis of male factor infertility is poorly understood, including the role of specific micronutrients such as zinc and folate. Both zinc and folate are involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Despite the fact that zinc deficiency leads to several clinical symptoms such as decreased spermatogenesis and impaired male fertility, the exact pathophysiology has not been clarified. CONCLUSION(S) Because most causes of male factor subfertility are unknown, more research is needed. Because male factor subfertility due to nutritional deficiencies is in principle amenable to curative and/or preventive action by supplementation, emphasis should be put on studies on the effect of specific nutrients on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Wong
- University Hospital Nijmegen, St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Habermann B, Krause W. Altered sperm function or sperm antibodies are not associated with chlamydial antibodies in infertile men with leucocytospermia. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.1999.tb00803.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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Cengiz T, Aydoğanli L, Baykam M, Mungan NA, Tunçbilek E, Dinçer M, Yakupoğlu K, Akalin Z. Chlamydial infections and male infertility. Int Urol Nephrol 1998; 29:687-93. [PMID: 9477368 DOI: 10.1007/bf02552187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydial infections may be difficult to diagnose due to the silent symptoms and difficulty in culturing. An infectious process may impair fertility by adversely affecting sperm functions, resulting in testicular damage or causing obstruction of the genital tract. In our study, we tried to find Chlamydial antigen by using EIA (Enzyme Immune Assay) and to compare the Ag(+) and Ag(-) groups according to semen parameters. Except for semen volume, we found significant differences in density, morphology, motility and viability (intervolume p > 0.05, interdensity p < 0.01, intermorphology p < 0.001, intermotility p < 0.001 and interviability p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cengiz
- 1st Department of Urology, Ankara Numune Hospital, Ministry of Health, Turkey
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Martin-Du Pan RC, Bischof P, Campana A, Morabia A. Relationship between etiological factors and total motile sperm count in 350 infertile patients. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1997; 39:197-210. [PMID: 9352031 DOI: 10.3109/01485019708987917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of different etiologic factors has been evaluated in 350 male patients consulting the same physician in an urban, ambulatory setting for primary or secondary infertility of more than 1 year. Environmental factors such as alcohol or drugs represented 12% of the etiologies, acquired diseases such as varicocele and prostatitis 40%, congenital diseases and primary testicular failure 16.2%, idiopathic cases 19.4%, and abnormality of sperm transport 7.4%. The severity of sperm alterations in the different etiologic categories was evaluated by the total motile sperm count per ejaculate (TMS) (normal > 16). The TMS was less than 5 in classical causes of male infertility such as testicular failure, endocrinopathy, cancer, or antisperm antibodies. It was more than 10 in controversial causes of infertility such as varicocele, prostatis, chlamydial infections, and professional exposure to heat. After treatment, there was a nonsignificant increase of the TMS in the latter cases. In cases of azoospermia of pituitary origin, the TMS was normalized by a hormonal treatment. In some cases of azoospermia of possible obstructive origin, sperm appeared in the ejaculate after diclofenac treatment. The utility of andrological investigation and treatment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Martin-Du Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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Ness RB, Markovic N, Carlson CL, Coughlin MT. Do men become infertile after having sexually transmitted urethritis? An epidemiologic examination. Fertil Steril 1997; 68:205-13. [PMID: 9240243 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(97)81502-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To critically assess the possibility that gonorrhea or chlamydia causes male infertility. DESIGN Comprehensive literature review structured to evaluate the epidemiologic tenets for causality, including biologic plausibility, strength of association, dose response, consistency, temporality, and treatment effect. RESULT(S) It is biologically plausible that gonorrhea and/or chlamydia could cause male infertility. There is clinical and pathologic evidence linking these pathogens to urethritis, linking urethritis to epididymo-orchitis, and linking epididymo-orchitis to infertility. Retrospective epidemiologic results also support an association between chlamydia serologies and male infertility, which in most of these small studies does not reach the level of statistical significance. However, there is no consistent epidemiologic evidence that these pathogens alter sperm characteristics. We discuss the methodologic limitations of previous epidemiologic studies and suggest strategies for future research. CONCLUSION(S) Whether gonorrhea and/or chlamydia cause male infertility is currently unclear. Sound methodologic research strategies must be applied to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Ness
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Jarvi K, Lacroix JM, Jain A, Dumitru I, Heritz D, Mittelman MW. Polymerase chain reaction-based detection of bacteria in semen**Supported by grants from The Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.J, D.H., and M.W.M.). A Roscoe-Reid Graham Scholarship in Surgical Science and a Canadian Urology Association Scholarship, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is held by K.J. Fertil Steril 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58520-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lacroix JM, Jarvi K, Batra SD, Heritz DM, Mittelman MW. PCR-based technique for the detection of bacteria in semen and urine. J Microbiol Methods 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0167-7012(96)00844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Merino G, Carranza-Lira S, Murrieta S, Rodriguez L, Cuevas E, Morán C. Bacterial infection and semen characteristics in infertile men. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1995; 35:43-7. [PMID: 8554430 DOI: 10.3109/01485019508987852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Semen samples of 190 men attending an andrology clinic were evaluated with bacteriological culture and categorized as negative (group I) and positive (group II); the effect of bacteriospemia on semen characteristics was also analyzed. Semen samples from both groups were simultaneously analyzed for routine parameters such as volume, sperm count, motility, viability and morphology. The semen culture was negative in 34% and positive in 66% of the samples. From 123 samples, 157 aerobes and 8 anaerobes were recovered. The most commonly isolated organism was Staphylococchs epidermidis (in 63% of the samples), followed by Streptococchs viridans (28%), Escherichia coli (9%), Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Streptococcus faecalis (5%), beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (4%), and Enterobacter agglomerans (4%). Other microorganisms, including Klebsiella sp, Candida sp., and Proteus mirabilis, were recovered in fewer than 4% of the specimens. The comparison of semen characteristics between infected and noninfected men showed that motile spermatozoa and viability were lower when the microorganisms were present in the semen. It would appear that the bacteria can have a direct effect on semen quality with negative consequences in fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Merino
- Servicio de Ginecología Endocrina/Andrología, Hospital de Gineco-Obstetricia, Tizapán, México DF, Mexico
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Andreessen R, Sudhoff F, Borgmann V, Nagel R. Results of ofloxacin therapy in andrologic patients suffering from therapy-requiring asymptomatic infections. Andrologia 1993; 25:377-83. [PMID: 8279713 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1993.tb02746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1990, microbiological ejaculate analyses were carried out on a routine basis on 125 andrological patients, in addition to the determination of the concentration, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa. Fourteen patients (11.2%) with therapy-requiring asymptomatic infections (TAI) > 10(4) CFU (colony-forming units) ml-1 were effectively treated with Ofloxacin (Tarivid) at 2 x 200 mg d-1 for a period of 20 d. Concentration, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa were determined before the Ofloxacin treatment and controlled 1, 3, and 6 months later and correlated to the values obtained before the treatment. Over the entire period of observation, the morphology did not change significantly, whilst initially 1 month after the treatment the concentration and the motility decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Three months later they again reached the starting values. After 6 months, a significant improvement occurred with regard to the motility, as compared to the starting values (P < 0.01), whilst the concentration remained at the level of the starting values. By this, Ofloxacin has been proved to be an effective medication for the treatment of TAI. In the end, it still remains an open question whether the improvement in sperm motility is primarily related to the Ofloxacin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Andreessen
- Department of Urology, Free University of Berlin, Rudolf-Virchow-clinic, Germany
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Oldereid NB, Rui H, Purvis K. The value of anamnestic information regarding previous genital infection in male fertility investigation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1992; 47:207-12. [PMID: 1294407 DOI: 10.1016/0028-2243(92)90153-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed to assess the value of information from male subjects under fertility investigation, regarding previous genital infection, in clarifying the causes of depressed sperm quality. Information was gathered using a questionnaire which was sent to 312 men who had previously attended our laboratory for semen analysis. A previous sexual transmitted disease (STD) in the male partner did not significantly influence the sperm quality or the pregnancy rate. However, a previous STD in the female was generally associated with a lower pregnancy rate. Previous episodes with urethral discharge, dysuria, pain with ejaculation or suprapubic discomfort had little relevance for the subsequent sperm quality. The results indicate that, in general, information provided by men under fertility investigation, regarding previous genital infections or symptoms, is only of limited value in elucidating the cause of impaired sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- N B Oldereid
- Andrology Laboratory, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Moskowitz MO, Mellinger BC. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND THEIR RELATION TO MALE INFERTILITY. Urol Clin North Am 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/s0094-0143(21)00844-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Villegas H, Piñon M, Shor V, Karchmer S. Electron microscopy of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the male genital tract. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1991; 27:117-26. [PMID: 1953197 DOI: 10.3109/01485019108987663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Semen specimens and testicular and epididymis biopsy from a patient of an infertile marriage were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Intraepithelial vesicles containing C. trachomatis were present in remaining cytoplasmic droplets in spermatozoa, desquamated epithelial cells, and stereocilia from epididymis. Elementary bodies were demonstrated in connective tissue from testes and in Leydig cells. The association between the microorganisms and spermatozoa contribute to the decreased motility and necrospermia. The morphologic alterations in epididymis are responsible for decreased sperm maturation. The damage to Leydig cells can be demonstrated only by electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Villegas
- Department of Electron Microscopy, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico, DF
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