[The role of Chlamydia trachomatis in producing abnormal movements by spermatozoa]

The authors analysed 100 sperm samples from asymptomatic patients and compared them with a control series of sperm donors who had been considered fertile by CECOS of Marseille or from men whose partners had conceived. They found Chlamydia trachomatis in 29% of the cases studied (P less than 0.0001). They found an abnormal movement of the sperm which they called the "Jerk Phenomenon" and which was found in 76% of cases (P less than 0.0001), where the culture for Chlamydia trachomatis was positive. This correlation does not change in association with other germs. Micro-cinematographic studies confirm the asthenospermic character of this movement. Since the sperm movements become normal after treatment with tetracycline one must consider that Chlamydia trachomatis can be an etiological agent for infertility in men.