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Forward Genetic Approaches in Chlamydia trachomatis
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Sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with genitourinary infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma

Guadalupe Gallegos1, Benito Ramos, Rebeca Santiso

  • 1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México.

Fertility and Sterility
|October 24, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Genitourinary infections by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma significantly increase sperm DNA fragmentation, impacting male fertility. Antibiotic therapy effectively reduces this fragmentation, potentially restoring fertility potential.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Andrology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Genitourinary infections, particularly by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma, are prevalent in men attending infertility clinics.
  • Sperm DNA fragmentation is increasingly recognized as a significant factor contributing to male infertility.
  • The impact of these infections on sperm DNA integrity and the efficacy of antibiotic treatment require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify sperm DNA fragmentation in men with genitourinary infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma.
  • To assess the influence of antibiotic therapy on sperm DNA fragmentation levels.
  • To correlate sperm DNA fragmentation with semen parameters and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 143 men from an andrology infertility center and 50 fertile controls.
  • Semen analysis included classical parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, vitality) and sperm DNA fragmentation using the Halosperm kit.
  • Antibiotic treatment effects were evaluated in 95 patients, with follow-up on pregnancy rates.

Main Results:

  • Men with genitourinary infections exhibited a mean sperm DNA fragmentation of 35.2%, 3.2 times higher than fertile controls (10.8%).
  • Antibiotic treatment reduced mean sperm DNA fragmentation from 37.7% to 24.2%.
  • Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in couples attempting pregnancy after antibiotic treatment (85.7%) compared to during treatment (12.5%).

Conclusions:

  • Genitourinary infections by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma lead to significantly elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, exceeding the impact on conventional semen parameters.
  • High sperm DNA fragmentation associated with these infections may impair male fertility potential.
  • Antibiotic therapy is crucial for resolving infection-induced sperm DNA fragmentation and may improve fertility outcomes.

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