Microbiological Evaluation and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Semen Samples of Patients Undergoing Fertility Investigation

Abstract

Fifteen percent of male infertility is associated with urogenital infections; several pathogens are able to alter the testicular and accessory glands’ microenvironment, resulting in the impairment of biofunctional sperm parameters. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of urogenital infections on the quality of 53 human semen samples through standard analysis, microbiological evaluation, and molecular characterization of sperm DNA damage. The results showed a significant correlation between infected status and semen volume, sperm concentration, and motility. Moreover, a high risk of fragmented sperm DNA was demonstrated in the altered semen samples. Urogenital infections are often asymptomatic and thus an in-depth evaluation of the seminal sample can allow for both the diagnosis and therapy of infections while providing more indicators for male infertility management.

Identification of Bacterial Profiles and Their Interactions with Selected Quality, Oxidative, and Immunological Parameters of Turkey Semen

“…Bacteriospermia has been frequently associated with a significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation [6,7,48,49]. While an increased sperm DNA damage may be related to the actual presence of bacteria in the ejaculate, the degree of DNA fragmentation depends on numerous factors such as the concentration of the bacteria or their growth rate.…”

The Impact of Bacteriocenoses on Sperm Vitality, Immunological and Oxidative Characteristics of Ram Ejaculates: Does the Breed Play a Role?

“…One of the most frequent consequences of bacteriospermia reported in previous studies, is a significant increase in sperm DNA fragmentation [ 9 , 10 , 46 , 47 ]. While an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index may be directly associated with the physical presence of bacteria in semen, the extent of DNA damage may be affected by a variety of factors, such as the bacterial load or growth rate.…”

“…This hypothesis is also reinforced by strong correlations between sperm DNA damage, leukocytospermia, ROS levels, and lipid peroxidation, as well as concentrations of pro-inflammatory molecules in our study. At the same time, the presence of bacterial endotoxins has also been linked to the onset of apoptosis or necrosis, which manifest themselves with the loss of DNA stability [ 47 ]. Similarly to our data, bovine, turkey, and human semen samples infested with Staphylococcus and Escherichia presented with high levels of DNA damage, accompanied by the loss of motility and membrane fluidity [ 9 , 10 , 47 ].…”

“…At the same time, the presence of bacterial endotoxins has also been linked to the onset of apoptosis or necrosis, which manifest themselves with the loss of DNA stability [ 47 ]. Similarly to our data, bovine, turkey, and human semen samples infested with Staphylococcus and Escherichia presented with high levels of DNA damage, accompanied by the loss of motility and membrane fluidity [ 9 , 10 , 47 ].…”

Genetics and Genomics of Reproductive Medicine

“…However, while female infertility has been extensively investigated, only recently, attention is being paid to the etiological and pathophysiological causes related to male infertility. At this scope, Pagliuca et al [4] investigate the implication of infection on the main sperm parameters.…”