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Published on: January 19, 2024
Association of Semen Bacteriological Profile with Infertility:- A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center
Madhuvanti Karthikeyan1, Kubera N S1, Rakesh Singh2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India.
Context:
Infections are an important cause of male infertility. The specific effects of infections on various semen parameters remain unexplored, especially within the Indian subcontinent.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to determine the bacteriologic profile of semen, and its effect on semen parameters, with particular emphasis given to Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis tested by semen polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Study Setting And Design:
The research was a cross-sectionl analaytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in South India from March 2018 to November 2019, on 48 male partners of couples presenting with infertility.
Methodology:
After obtaining informed consent from the study participants, semen collection was done. The sample was subjected to standard semen analysis according to the WHO 2010 Manual, followed by bacteriological testing using routine culture methods. In addition, real-time PCR was done to test for U. urealyticum and M. hominis.
Statistical Analysis:
Demographic data, semen analysis parameters, bacteriological culture findings, and real-time PCR results were compared and analyzed using the software IBM® SPSS 19.0.
Results:
A significant difference in viscosity of semen, which was higher in the samples that were positive for real-time PCR of M. hominis, was found. Other than this, no other parameter had a statistically significant difference between culture or real-time PCR positive samples and negative samples.
Conclusion:
Our study, though limited by a small sample size, highlights the role played by seminal infections in the context of male infertility. Larger scale prospective studies in this area would be invaluable in deciding the management plans of male factor infertility.
Insights
Seminal infections, particularly Mycoplasma hominis, may increase semen viscosity in infertile men. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these infections on male infertility and guide treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microbiology
- Urology
Background:
- Seminal tract infections are a significant contributor to male infertility.
- The precise impact of various infections on semen parameters is not well-documented, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacteriologic profile of semen.
- To assess the effect of semen infections on semen parameters.
- To specifically evaluate Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis using semen polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in South India.
- 48 infertile men provided semen samples for analysis.
- Samples underwent standard semen analysis, routine bacterial culture, and real-time PCR for U. urealyticum and M. hominis.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in semen viscosity was observed in samples positive for Mycoplasma hominis via PCR.
- No other semen parameters showed significant differences between culture or PCR-positive and negative samples.
Conclusions:
- Seminal infections play a role in male infertility, as suggested by findings in this study.
- The study highlights a potential link between M. hominis and increased semen viscosity.
- Larger prospective studies are recommended to clarify the role of seminal infections in male infertility management.
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