Related Experiment Videos
[Genital mycoplasma strains as a cause of male infertility]
Helvetica Chirurgica Acta
|July 1, 1978
Abstract:
Mycoplasma hominis, M. fermentans, M. orale, M. gallisepticum and Ureaplasma urealyticum are able to reduce the motility of spermatozoa. Electron microscopical investigation confirmed an affinity of these mycoplasmas to the structures of the cell-membranes of the spermatozoa. Simultaneously there could be observed extensive destructions in spermatozoa.
Insights
Certain Mycoplasma species and Ureaplasma urealyticum reduce sperm motility. These microbes attach to and damage sperm cell membranes, impacting fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are common urogenital and respiratory tract microbes.
- Spermatozoa are essential for male fertility.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of specific Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species on sperm motility and structure.
- To examine the interaction between these microbes and spermatozoa using electron microscopy.
Summary:
- Mycoplasma hominis, M. fermentans, M. orale, M. gallisepticum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were found to decrease sperm motility.
- Electron microscopy revealed these mycoplasmas adhere to sperm cell membranes.
- Significant damage to spermatozoa was observed following microbial interaction.
Impact:
- This research highlights a potential mechanism by which urogenital mycoplasma infections can impair male fertility.
- Understanding this interaction is crucial for diagnosing and treating infertility associated with these microbial infections.