Prevalence of HSV-1/HSV-2 and CMV Infections in Infertile Men and Their Impact on Sperm Parameters: A Cross-Sectional...

Viral infections are significant contributors to infertility. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1/HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in men with infertility, compared to a control group of fertile men.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with seminal fluid samples from 100 fertile and 100 infertile men, aged 20-40 years, referred to Yazd Infertility Center. DNA extraction was done using the AmpliSens kit, and the presence of CMV and HSV-1/HSV-2 was determined via real-time PCR. Sperm parameters (count, quick & slow, motility, morphology, and volume) were also assessed and compared to the control group.

CMV infection was found in 16% of fertile and 10% of infertile men. HSV-1/HSV-2 prevalence was significantly higher in infertile men (32%) compared to fertile men (8%). Abnormal sperm count was significantly associated with HSV status (p = 0.001), as was abnormal morphology (p = 0.021), while abnormal quick & slow, motility and volume showed no significant association. Data analysis indicated no correlation between sperm parameters-including sperm quick & slow, motility, count, morphology, and semen volume-and CMV infection.

HSV infection is linked to sperm-specific parameters, particularly count and morphology. These findings enhance our understanding of viral-induced male infertility and underscore the need for targeted approaches to manage HSV-1/HSV-2-related infertility.