Bacterqides ureolyticus in men consulting for infertility

Abstract

A screening of 3196 semen analyses performed in our clinic from January 1986 to December 1990 revealed 314 (9.8%) patients whose semen was infected with Bacteroides ureolyticus. Investigating the relationship between the presence of B. ureobticus, the seminal microflora and the conventional semen parameters, we observed that the presence of this micro-organism in the semen was coupled (1) to an increased presence of Enterococcus species, (2) to an increased number of short-tailed spermatozoa and epithelial cells, and (3) to a decreased total fructose concentration (mg ejaculate -'). These results suggest that B. ureolyticus or its toxins may influence sperm morphology and function by yet unknown mechanisms and may also increase the number of epithelial cells by soft tissue infection in uiuo. The decreased fructose levels suggest that this anaerobic micro-organism might specifically colonize the seminal vesicles, while the normal zinc values recorded suggest a normal prostatic function. Overall, our data support the hypothesis that the presence of B. ureobticus is not associated with nongonococcal urethritis.

Can apoptosis and necrosis coexist in ejaculated human spermatozoa during in vitro semen bacterial infection?

“…These results are supported by the strong adhesion of these bacterial strains to the surface of the sperm head, midpiece, and principal piece, as has been recently documented [16]. In turn, the link between B. ureolyticus and male infertility was discussed long ago in the literature [43]. Interestingly, our earlier in vitro experiments indicated that free radical species mediate the cytotoxic effect of these bacteria on spermatozoa as a consequence of lipid peroxidative damage to the membranes [20].…”

Bacteria trigger oxygen radical release and sperm lipid peroxidation in in vitro model of semen inflammation

“…Earlier studies regarding semen infection with B. ureolyticus suggested participation of this strain or its toxins in the reduction of normal sperm morphology, increased number of epithelial cells in ejaculate, and a change in biochemical semen characteristics (40). Thus, the results indicate that anaerobic colonization of the male genital tract can have a direct effect on sperm function, with negative consequences for male fertility, owing to the membrane peroxidation.…”

Membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of human-ejaculated spermatozoa during in vitro experimental infection with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Bacteroides ureolyticus

“…In our previous study, we demonstrated that experimental infection of semen with B. ureolyticus resulted in oxidative damage including lipid sperm membrane peroxidation (Fraczek et al ., ). Our previous results and the present data increased our knowledge of toxic effects of B. ureolyticus towards spermatozoa and indicated that anaerobes’ invasion, colonization or infection of the male genital tract may have a symptomatic effect on sperm structure with negative consequences for male infertility owing to molecular alterations in the sperm membranes (Balmelli et al ., ).…”