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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Association between Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Masoud Keikha1, Seyed-Abolfazl Hosseininasab-Nodoushan2, Amirhossein Sahebkar3,4,5,6
1Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Background:
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. There is widespread evidence in recent years that indicate C. trachomatis infection plays a role in sperm dysfunction and poor sperm quality. However, some controversial documents have argued the role of infection with this bacterium in male infertility.
Methods:
A full comprehensive electronic search was performed using the online databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, without considering the time limits.
Results:
In the present study, 56 articles were finally found to be eligible. The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in the infertile males was estimated at 20.6% (19.8-21.5 with 95% CIs; p- Value: 0.01; I2: 97.77; Q-Value: 237.8; p-Value: 0.01; Begg's p-Value: 0.09; Egger's p-Value: 0.01) in overall. We have also shown that infection with C. trachomatis can significantly increase the risk of infertility in men (OR: 2.28; 1.90-2.72 with 95% CIs; p-Value: 0.001; I2: 81.61; QValue: 59.81; p-Value: 0.01; Begg's p-Value: 0.73; Egger's p-Value: 0.61).
Conclusion:
We showed a high prevalence of C. trachomatis in the sperm and semen samples of infertile men, and C. trachomatis infection is associated with a significantly higher risk of infertility in men.
Insights
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is prevalent in infertile men, significantly increasing their risk of infertility. This study confirms a strong association between C. trachomatis and male infertility, highlighting its public health importance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection with emerging evidence linking it to sperm dysfunction.
- The role of C. trachomatis infection in male infertility remains debated despite existing research.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of C. trachomatis is crucial for reproductive health strategies.
Approach:
- A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases.
- Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant studies for meta-analysis.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence and odds ratio of infertility associated with C. trachomatis.
Key Points:
- The pooled prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in infertile males was found to be 20.6%.
- C. trachomatis infection was associated with a significantly increased risk of male infertility (OR: 2.28).
- The findings indicate a robust link between C. trachomatis and male infertility.
Conclusions:
- C. trachomatis infection is highly prevalent in sperm and semen samples of infertile men.
- The study concludes that C. trachomatis infection significantly elevates the risk of infertility in men.
- These findings underscore the importance of screening and managing C. trachomatis in cases of male infertility.
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