Evaluation of the Presence of Bacterial and Viral Agents in the Semen of Infertile Men: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis Review Study

Bacteriospermia in men among infertile couples in the Nepalese population

Infection of the male urogenital tract or male accessory glands is considered one of the important causes of male infertility, and results in the presence of bacteria in semen affecting the fertility potential of men. This study aims to understand the rate of seminal infection in infertile men, and its association with semen parameters related to fertility potential. The study was carried out from June 2021 to July 2022, in which 217 semen samples were collected from male partners of couples consulting for fertility complaints in a fertility center in Nepal. Analysis of semen parameters was done following the WHO guidelines for human semen analysis, 2021. Microbiological assessment of semen by culture-based approach showed bacteriospermia among 25.3% of samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate in semen. The volume of semen was reduced (p = 0.001 at 95% confidence interval) with bacteriospermia. The concentration, total motility, morphology, and vitality of spermatozoa in the samples tended to be negatively impacted due to bacteriospermia, however, the associations were insignificant at 95% CI. Our study indicates impairment of semen parameters is partially associated with bacterial infection, and hence bacteriospermia may be an important cause of male infertility. Our data represent a baseline for future in-depth studies on bacterial infection in the semen of infertile men in Nepal.

Update on known and emergent viruses affecting human male genital tract and fertility

Many viruses infect the male genital tract with harmful consequences at individual and population levels. In fact, viral infections may induce damage to different organs of the male genital tract (MGT), therefore compromising male fertility. The oxidative stress, induced during viral-mediated local and systemic inflammation, is responsible for testicular damage, compromising germinal and endocrine cell functions. A reduction in sperm count, motility, number of normal sperm and an increase in DNA fragmentation are all common findings in the course of viral infections that, however, generally regress after infection clearance. In some cases, however, viral shedding persists for a long time leading to unexpected sexual transmission, even after the disappearance of the viral load from the blood.The recent outbreak of Zika and Ebola Virus evidenced how the MGT could represent a reservoir of dangerous emergent viruses and how new modalities of surveillance of survivors are strongly needed to limit viral transmission among the general population.Here we reviewed the evidence concerning the presence of relevant viruses, including emergent and re-emergent, on the male genital tract, their route of entry, their adverse effects on male fertility and the pattern of viral shedding in the semen.We also described laboratory strategies to reduce the risk of horizontal or vertical cross-infection in serodiscordant couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

The primary role of semen processing and preservation is to maintain a high proportion of structurally and functionally competent and mature spermatozoa, that may be used for the purposes of artificial reproduction when needed, whilst minimizing any potential causes of sperm deterioration during ex vivo semen handling. Out of a multitude of variables determining the success of sperm preservation, bacterial contamination has been acknowledged with an increased interest because of its often unpredictable and complex effects on semen quality. Whilst antibiotics are usually the most straight-forward option to prevent the bacterial contamination of semen, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat requiring widespread attention. As such, besides discussing the consequences of bacteriospermia on the sperm vitality and the risks of antibiotic overuse in andrology, this paper summarizes the currently available evidence on alternative strategies to prevent bacterial contamination of semen prior to, during, and following sperm processing, selection, and preservation. Alternative antibacterial supplements are reviewed, and emphasis is given to modern methods of sperm selection that may be combined by the physical removal of bacteria prior to sperm preservation or by use in assisted reproductive technologies.

Is monkeypox a new, emerging sexually transmitted disease? A rapid review of the literature

Monkeypox, a milder disease compared to smallpox, is caused by a virus initially discovered and described in 1958 by the prominent Danish virologist von Magnus, who was investigating an infectious outbreak affecting monkey colonies. Currently, officially starting from May 2022, an outbreak of monkeypox is ongoing, with 51 000 cases being notified as of September 1, 2022-51 408 confirmed, 28 suspected, and 12 fatalities, for a grand total of 51 448 cases. More than 100 countries and territories are affected, from all the six World Health Organization regions. There are some striking features, that make this outbreak rather unusual when compared with previous outbreaks, including a shift on average age and the most affected age group, affected sex/gender, risk factors, clinical course, presentation, and the transmission route. Initially predominantly zoonotic, with an animal-to-human transmission, throughout the last decades, human-to-human transmission has become more and more sustained and effective. In particular, clusters of monkeypox have been described among men having sex with men, some of which have been epidemiologically linked to international travel to nonendemic countries and participation in mass gathering events/festivals, like the "Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) 2022 pride." This review will specifically focus on the "emerging" transmission route of the monkeypox virus, that is to say, the sexual transmission route, which, although not confirmed yet, seems highly likely in the diffusion of the infectious agent.