Evidence for microbial transfer by spermatozoa

Ovulatory-phase cervical mucus columns demonstrate that microorganisms migrate in the cervical mucus with moving spermatozoa. Cultures obtained from the distal end of the mucus column after spermatozoal migration was complete yielded the same aerobic and anaerobic microbial isolates that were originally recovered from the seminal fluid. Exogenous aerobic bacteria added to the seminal fluid. Exogenous aerobic bacteria added to the seminal fluid also appeared at the top of the mucus column. After removal of the spermatozoa, no bacteria were observed migrating through the mucus. It is concluded that spermatozoa may provide a vehicle for bacteria present in the seminal fluid prior to ejaculation and for those already present in the cervix or vagina. The significance of this finding is discussed, and one mechanism for the development of salpingo-oophoritis in the female is proposed.