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Impact of chronic viral diseases on semen parameters

F Lorusso1, M Palmisano, M Chironna

  • 1Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. milalorusso@yahoo.it

Andrologia
|April 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections significantly impair male semen quality, reducing sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) effects are less clear and warrant further study.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Viral infections like HIV, HCV, and HBV can impact various physiological functions.
  • Semen parameters are crucial indicators of male reproductive health.
  • The specific effects of HIV, HCV, and HBV on semen quality require detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on semen parameters.
  • To compare semen quality in patients with single or co-infections against a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • Semen samples were collected from patients with HCV, HIV, HBV, and co-infections (HCV-HIV), and from healthy seronegative controls.
  • Semen analysis included sperm concentration, motility (a+b), viability, and normal morphology.
  • Detection tests for HIV, HCV, and HBV were performed on seminal samples.

Main Results:

  • Significantly decreased sperm concentration, motility, and viability were observed in HCV- and HBV-seropositive males compared to controls.
  • Reduced sperm morphology was noted in HCV- and HBV-seropositive individuals.
  • Sperm concentration after washing was significantly lower in all infected groups compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • HBV and HCV infections are associated with significantly impaired sperm quality.
  • The observed sperm quality in HIV- and HCV-HIV-seropositive men requires further investigation.
  • Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

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