[Leukocytes in human seminal fluid]

The peroxidase method is sufficient for quantification of granulocytes, but immunocytology is the standard for detection of white blood cells (WBC) in semen. Granulocytes are the most prevalent WBC in semen (50 to 60%) followed by macrophages (20 to 30%) and T-lymphocytes (2 to 5%). The frequency of leukocytospermia (> 106 WBC/ml) among male infertility patients is 29%. There are ample evidences for sperm damage by WBC: 1) Seminal WBC numbers were higher in infertile patients than among fertile men; 2) leukocytospermia was associated with decreased sperm numbers and impared sperm motility; 3) WBC damage sperm function and were an important prognostic factor for IVF-ET failure. Approximately 80% of leukocytospermic samples are microbiologically negative. In some cases Chlamydia trachomatis might have triggered a persistent inflammatory reaction. Genital tract inflammation facilitates the formation of sperm antibodies.