Sperm-agglutinating antibodies in infertile couples

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Human Reproduction

Background:

• Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide.
• The presence of antibodies against sperm (sperm-agglutinating antibodies) is a potential factor contributing to infertility.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of these antibodies is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of sperm-agglutinating antibodies in infertile couples.
• To determine the correlation between antibody presence, antibody type, and seminal plasma levels with fertility status.
• To assess the relationship between antibody titers and postcoital test results.

Main Methods:

• A microagglutination technique was employed to detect sperm-agglutinating antibodies.
• Sera and seminal plasma from 150 infertile couples were analyzed.
• Postcoital tests were conducted to evaluate sperm-cervical mucus interaction.

Main Results:

• Sperm-agglutinating activity was detected in 8% of men and 11% of women.
• Antibodies in seminal plasma were found in 8 men with high serum titers, exhibiting head-to-tail agglutination.
• Head-to-head agglutination was observed in 3 men with serum antibodies only.
• Abnormal postcoital tests were present in 57% of couples; 13% of men and 14% of women in these couples had agglutinating antibodies.
• A negative postcoital test was more frequently associated with high antibody titers in female sera.

Conclusions:

• Sperm-agglutinating antibodies are present in a notable proportion of infertile individuals.
• The type of agglutination and presence in seminal plasma may indicate different mechanisms of infertility.
• High antibody titers in women are strongly associated with poor sperm-cervical mucus interaction, contributing to infertility.