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Mycoplasma genitalium attaches to human spermatozoa

Helle Friis Svenstrup1, Jens Fedder, Joanna Abraham-Peskir

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The Bartholin Building, Braedstrup Hospital, DK-8740 Braedstrup, Denmark. hellef@biobase.dk

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|September 26, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma genitalium adheres to human sperm, potentially using them as vectors. This binding may contribute to upper genital tract infections and infertility in women.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Microbiology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma genitalium is a pathogen causing urogenital diseases in both sexes.
  • Sexual transmission is the presumed route of infection for M. genitalium.
  • The role of spermatozoa as vectors for M. genitalium in upper genital tract infections is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of spermatozoa acting as vectors for Mycoplasma genitalium.
  • To understand how M. genitalium might cause upper genital diseases in women.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro incubation of semen with M. genitalium.
  • Observation of M. genitalium attachment to spermatozoa using Nomarski light microscopy and transmission X-ray microscopy.
  • Examination of purified, motile spermatozoa for M. genitalium attachment via immunofluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

  • M. genitalium was observed to attach to the head, midpiece, and tail of spermatozoa.
  • Spermatozoa exhibited reduced motility when heavily infected with M. genitalium.
  • Motile spermatozoa successfully carried M. genitalium, with attachment primarily at the midpiece or neck region, and occasionally at the head.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma genitalium demonstrates the ability to bind to human spermatozoa.
  • This binding suggests spermatozoa can act as carriers for M. genitalium.
  • The capacity of sperm to transport M. genitalium may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of female genital diseases and infertility.

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