Influence of different uropathogenic microorganisms on human sperm motility parameters in an in vitro experiment

Abstract

Summary. The influence of different uropathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Candida albicans) on human sperm motility was studied in vitro with a computer‐assisted sperm analyser (CASA). Native ejaculates were prepared with the swim‐up technique and adjusted to 22 times 106 spermatozoa ml−1. The sperm suspension was artificially infected with microorganisms in concentrations varying from 2 times 103 to 2 times 107. Sperm motility was examined directly after incubation, 2, 4 and 6 h later using the Mika motion analysis®, a computer‐based, automatic motility analysis. Former results with E. coli (serotype 06) could be confirmed that a significant inhibitory effect on sperm motility was associated with bacterial growth. Experiments with the enterococcus strain and Staphylococcus saprophyticus indicated no significant influence on sperm motility parameters. Tests with Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a decrease of progressive motility according to time, but not to different bacterial concentrations. A significant inhibitory effect of Candida albicans was only detected in the samples with the initial bacterial concentration of 2 times 107 microorganisms ml−1.

The Impact of Bacterial Infections on Human Spermatozoa

“…An inhibitory effect of E. coli, serotype 06, on sperm motility has been investigated by some authors (105). Sperm incubated with E. coli demonstrated significant alterations in motility (78,106). Some investigators revealed that the immobilization of spermatozoa may occur as a result of direct contact of the sperm with bacterial cells (105,107).…”

“…E. coli has a passive effect on sperm motility and acrosomal function (48). Several authors were described spermagglutination and immobilization by E. coli (52,78).…”

Prevalence of Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma in Infertile Men in Van Region and Effects to Semen Parameters

“…İnfeksiyon sonucu ortaya çıkan lökospermide, lökosit ve lökosit ürünlerinin spermler üzerine toksik etki yaparak fertilizasyonu olumsuz yönde etkilediği bildirilmiştir [3]. Benzer şekilde, mikroorganizmalar veya immün hücrelerin sperm hücreleri üzerine olumsuz etkilerinin olabileceği, bir olasılık olarak ileri sürülmektedir [4]. Erkek infertilitesinin %15'inde üreme yolları infeksiyonlarının sorumlu olduğu ileri sürülmektedir [5].…”

Testicular innate immune defense against bacteria

“…There are several in vivo as well as in vitro studies showing a negative effect of E. coli on human sperm function such as motility and acrosome reaction (Auroux et al, 1991;Merino et al, 1995;el-Mulla et al, 1996;Huwe et al, 1998;Kohn et al, 1998;Diemer et al, 2003). A direct inhibitory effect of E. coli on progressive motility was found to depend on bacterial concentration, and analysis by electron microscopy revealed multiple adhesions of E. coli to spermatozoa with a variable degree of ultrastructural damage present (Diemer et al, 1996).…”