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The correlation of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection with infertility
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Second Medical University, China.
Abstract:
A prevalence study of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection of the male genital tract was carried out in Shanghai between March 1992 and June 1995. Significantly higher frequency of UU infection was found among infertile males (549/1416) as compared to fertile controls (34/375). Examination of 8 specimens each from infertile men and fertile subjects by electron microscopy, immunogold and immunofluorescence techniques, demonstrated adhesion of Ureaplasma urealyticum to the membrane of spermatozoa and exfoliated germ cells. In addition, gold particles on Ureaplasma urealyticum were found to be adhered to the sperm surface in 4 of the 8 samples. Strong specific anti-UU fluorescence was detected in 6 of 8 samples, mainly on the midpieces and post-acrosomal regions of the spermatozoa. To further study the effects of Ureaplasma urealyticum on fertility, 47 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were infected artificially with Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype 8 (T960). Morphological changes in the seminiferous tubules were observed 3-5 weeks after inoculation in the sacrificed animals. Dramatic impairment of spermatogenesis of both testes was found in 11 rats. Mating experiment confirmed infertility in 12 of 40 rats. Offsprings of the infected rats were significantly smaller than those of controls in terms of prenatal weights and birthweights.
Insights
Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection is more common in infertile men. This bacterial infection was found to adhere to sperm and impair male fertility in both human and rat studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is a common bacterium found in the male genital tract.
- Its role in male infertility requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of UU infection in infertile males.
- To examine the effects of UU on sperm and male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Prevalence study in Shanghai (1992-1995).
- Electron microscopy, immunogold, and immunofluorescence techniques on human samples.
- Artificial infection of Sprague-Dawley rats with UU serotype 8.
Main Results:
- UU infection was significantly more frequent in infertile males (549/1416) than fertile controls (34/375).
- UU adhered to spermatozoa and exfoliated germ cells, with gold particles found on sperm surfaces.
- Infected rats showed impaired spermatogenesis, infertility, and reduced offspring weight.
Conclusions:
- UU infection is associated with male infertility.
- UU may negatively impact sperm parameters and reproductive function.
- Further research is warranted to understand UU's pathogenic mechanisms in male infertility.