Herpesvirus role in male infertility

Abstract

Nowadays, the search for etiopathogenetic factors of infertility is an urgent medical and social task. 23 men with chronic abacterial prostatitis in a barren marriage underwent the follow-up. Herpesviruses of types IV–VI were detected in urogenital samples (urethra, ejaculate, prostate secretions) in 8 of 23 men who were treated with valacyclovir (500 mg 2 times a day for 3 months) and interferon α-2b in combination with antioxidants — vitamins E and C (rectal suppositories). Based on the personal experience of the authors, the patients were prescribed the following drug use regimen: 3 million IU twice a day — 10 days, then 3 million IU twice a day — 3 times per week for the next 3 weeks. The remaining 15 patients without any detected viruses were prescribed the following: levofloxacin 500 mg — 30 days, tamsulosin 0.4 mg — 90 days, diclofenac 50 mg — 10 days. By the end of therapy, electron microscopy and virology showed a decrease in the concentration and number of virus-positive urogenital samples, as well as a decrease in the number of spermatozoa with viral capsids. Within 6 months from the therapy initiation, the onset of pregnancy was observed in the married couples of 6 out of 8 men with herpesviruses vs. in 4 out of 11 without viruses (p=0.026). Thus, we obtained the data on the role of herpesviruses of types IV–VI in male infertility. A good reproductive effect was achieved with valacyclovir and interferon α-2b in combination with antioxidants in most patients. KEYWORDS: herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpes virus type VI, male infertility. FOR CITATION: Kovalyk V.P., Gomberg M.A., Bragina E.E. et al. Herpesvirus role in male infertility. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(3):123– 129. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-3-123-129.