Implications of heterophile antigens in immunological infertility in males

Immunological study was conducted on serum and hydrocel fluids from males belonging to an equatorial African population heavily contaiminated by Filaria and Schistosoma. Anti-spermatozoa antibodies were detected by agglutination in 31 of 64 sera and 24 of 60 fluids, and by cytotoxicity in 19 of 64 sera and 8 of 60 fluids. Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 21 of 64 sera and 8 of 60 fluids. However, the titers of these antibodies were low, as were the frequency and titers of other tissues antibodies. The appearance of antispermatozoa antibodies is also correlated with extensive skin burns and infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or severe Candidiasis.