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Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns
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Infectious Burden and Semen Parameters.

Elena Moretti1, Natale Figura2, Maria Stella Campagna2

  • 1Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

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|October 30, 2016
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Chronic infections negatively impact male fertility. Increased pathogen burden, indicated by immunoglobulin G response, significantly reduces sperm concentration, motility, and quality, increasing sperm necrosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Pathogen burden, the cumulative effect of chronic infections, is linked to adverse health outcomes.
  • Previous research suggests Helicobacter pylori infection may impair semen quality.
  • Understanding the impact of multiple chronic infections on male reproductive health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between chronic infections detected via serum markers and semen quality.
  • To evaluate the relationship between pathogen burden and specific semen parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Collected blood and semen samples from 73 men between January 2014 and January 2015.
  • Assessed semen characteristics using light and transmission electron microscopy, quantifying parameters like fertility index (FI) and sperm apoptosis/necrosis.
  • Detected immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against common chronic infection agents (H. pylori, M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, EBV, HSV-1, CMV) using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of infections detected: EBV (95.9%), HSV-1 (74.0%), M. pneumoniae (72.6%), C. pneumoniae (46.6%), CMV (46.6%), H. pylori (43.8%).
  • Increased number of pathogens with a significant IgG response correlated with reduced sperm concentration (P<.05), motility (P<.001), and fertility index (P<.001).
  • A higher pathogen burden was significantly associated with an increased percentage of necrotic sperm (P<.01).

Conclusions:

  • A higher number of pathogens eliciting a systemic IgG response is associated with diminished semen quality.
  • Pathogen burden represents a significant factor impacting male fertility.