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Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Association between the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and male infertility
Sajad Babakhani1, Marziyeh Eslami2, Mohammad Javad Kazemi2
1Department of Microbiology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
While male infertility has been associated with Mycoplasma infections, few studies have investigated the association between Mycoplasma infection and male infertility. Therefore, this study aimed at addressing this issue. Semen samples were collected from 136 patients (68 infertile men and 68 fertile men) in the Central Laboratory of Yazd, Iran. Of semen samples collected from 68 infertile and 68 fertile men, 13 (19.12%) and 2 (2.94%) cases were positive for Mycoplasma spp. using PCR, respectively. Among Mycoplasma-infected infertile men, 10 and 6 men showed abnormal sperm morphology and motility, respectively. None of the positive samples for Mycoplasma spp. was positive for M. hominis and one of the positive samples for Mycoplasma spp. belonged to Mycoplasma hyorhinis (strain NBRC 14858). The presence of Mycoplasma spp. was significantly higher in infertile men (p = .003). Mycoplasma infection was relatively high in infertile men. The surprising issue was the absence of M. hominis and the presence of M. hyorhinis strain NBRC 14858 in the semen of infertile men. Therefore, investigating reproductive tract infections caused by other Mycoplasma spp. should be taken into consideration in male infertility.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Mycoplasma hyorhinis has been mostly reported as a cause of animal respiratory tract infections and the development of various cancers. Information on the association of M. hyorhinis with male infertility is not yet available.What do the results of this study add? This study shows that the presence of M. hyorhinis in the semen of infertile men may be associated with infertility. This study shows that the investigation of unpredictable species of genus Mycoplasma such as M. hyorhinis in the semen of infertile men is essential.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of the present study indicate that in addition to M. genitalium and M. hominis, studies on the role of M. hyorhinis in reproductive tract infections and infertility should be expanded.
Insights
Mycoplasma infection, particularly Mycoplasma hyorhinis, is significantly more prevalent in infertile men. This suggests a potential link between Mycoplasma species and male infertility, warranting further investigation into their reproductive health impact.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma infections are linked to male infertility, but specific associations require further study.
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis is primarily known for animal respiratory infections and cancer development, with limited data on its role in human male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Mycoplasma infection and male infertility.
- To identify specific Mycoplasma species present in the semen of infertile men.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples were collected from 136 men (68 infertile, 68 fertile).
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect Mycoplasma species.
- Sperm morphology and motility were assessed in infected infertile men.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma species were detected in 19.12% of infertile men versus 2.94% of fertile men (p=0.003).
- Abnormal sperm morphology and motility were observed in 10 and 6 Mycoplasma-infected infertile men, respectively.
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis (strain NBRC 14858) was identified in one infertile patient; Mycoplasma hominis was absent.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma infection is significantly more common in infertile men.
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis may play a role in male infertility, challenging previous assumptions.
- Further research into less common Mycoplasma species, like M. hyorhinis, is crucial for understanding reproductive tract infections and infertility.
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