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Human papillomavirus DNA detection in sperm using polymerase chain reaction
O Olatunbosun1, H Deneer, R Pierson
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. olatunbosun@sak.usak.ca
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected in sperm cells of both infected and healthy men. Sperm washing is ineffective in removing HPV DNA, posing a transmission risk.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Virology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
- The presence and transmission of HPV via semen are not fully understood.
- Sperm washing is a technique used in assisted reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in semen samples.
- To evaluate the efficacy of sperm washing in eliminating HPV DNA from semen.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect HPV DNA in semen.
- Samples were collected from 85 volunteers, including 45 with a history of HPV infection and 40 healthy controls.
- Sperm washing was performed on a subset of samples to assess HPV DNA removal.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA was detected in 53% of subjects with HPV infection and 8% of healthy subjects.
- A higher prevalence of HPV DNA was observed in subjects with visible lesions (66%) compared to those without (11%).
- Sperm washing reduced HPV DNA below detectable levels in only 2 out of 27 cases.
Conclusions:
- HPV DNA is present in sperm cells, irrespective of clinical HPV status.
- Standard sperm washing procedures do not effectively eliminate HPV DNA from semen.
- Recommendations include HPV DNA testing for semen donors to prevent transmission.