Microbiological investigation in male infertility: a practical overview

Abstract

The roles of inflammation and/or infection of the male accessory sex glands are very important for the potential effects that these conditions may have on male fertility. The clinical andrologist should be aware of the pathophysiological role of the main determinants of sperm damage when these conditions occur, in particular, seminal leukocytes, oxidative stress and cytokines. In addition, it is important to have a good knowledge of the methodologies to be used in clinical practice. This article summarizes the methods used to look for and to identify the micro-organisms responsible for male urogenital tract infections. These include sperm culture, urine culture, urethral swabbing, the Meares-Stamey test and balanopreputial swabbing. Finally, we discuss the role of human papilloma virus infection in male infertility.

Role of genital tract infections and inflammatory processes in male infertility

“…IL-8 does not influence sperm motility or in vitro acrosomal reaction. In contrast, seminal plasma IL-8 inhibits sperm motility (La Vignera et al, 2014). It has been revealed that TNF-α production is higher in patients with bacterial infections such as Mycoplasma sp.…”

The application of the preformed physical factors for the combined treatment of the patients presenting with chronic vesiculitis

“…ХБВ характеризуется воспалением же-лезистой, мышечной и соединительной тканей се-менных пузырьков. Этиологическим фактором ХБВ, как и хронического бактериального простати-та, а также патоспермии являются как грамотрица-тельные, так и грамположительные микроорганиз-мы [2][3][4]. Проникновение инфекции в семенные пузырьки происходит в результате механической или динамической обструкции семявыбрасываю-щего протока, вследствие гемодинамических нару-шений в органах малого таза и ретроградного инфи-цирования из задней уретры.…”

Recent advances in microfluidic diagnostic and treatment systems for assisted reproductive technologies in developing countries

“…Pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial concentrations of greater than 10 4 CFU per millilitre of ejaculate are considered significant bacteriospermia. Hence, bacterial detection technologies that can be used with semen before IUI and IVF will contribute to fertility, especially in developing countries [20][21][22][23]. Systems comprising smartphone and microfluidic devices [24] and paper--based devices [25] have also been proposed.…”