Anti-sperm antibodies and immune subfertility

A brief description of immune subfertility, caused by antibodies directed against sperm-specific glycoproteins in the sperm membrane, is given. Observations during the last few years have indicated that this immune disease is primarily caused by anti-sperm antibodies of the IgA class, and recent results from vasovasostomized men lend further support to this theory. Detection of anti-sperm antibodies should therefore include characterization of the immunoglobulin class of antibodies. In male patients this can be achieved by direct mixed anti-globulin reaction test or immunobead-binding test on the patients' spermatozoa, and in female patients cervical mucus can be tested by indirect versions of the same tests.