Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Listeria monocytogenes in Infertile Men and the Effect on Semen Parameters

Abstract

Background: Infertility is one of the serious problems in gynecology and one of the most important issues of concern in couples. Meanwhile, a significant rise in infertility is recently reported in Iran due to the infections and harsh environmental conditions. Objectives: The current study aimed to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Listeria monocytogenes in males with infertility using PCR, and to evaluate bacteriospermia effects of the studied bacteria on semen parameters. Methods: Semen specimens of 100 infertile men were collected. Then, each specimen was divided into two parts: the first part was tested by semen analysis according to the WHO guidelines and the second was tested using the PCR method. The PCR intended to identify C. trachomatis and L. monocytogenes. Results: Out of 100 semen samples, 20% were positive for C. trachomatis, 3% were positive for L. monocytogenes, and 3% were positive for both bacteria (coinfection). The leukocyte count was higher than the normal range (0 - 1 Mil/mL) in all semen specimens. The prevalence of C. trachomatis in azoospermic patients was significantly higher than that of nonazoospermic (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the detection of L. monocytogenes (P > 0.05). Detection of C. trachomatis and L. monocytogenes had no significant association with abnormal semen parameters in asymptomatic patients (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that precise analysis of semen parameters and diagnosis of leukocytospermia in patients using the PCR can be considered as a rapid and accurate technique to detect bacteria such as C. trachomatis and L. monocytogenes in semen specimens. Therefore, the utilization of this technique in the screening programs for asymptomatic infertile couples can be helpful for early treatment.

The relationship between male factor infertility and Chlamydia infection, still an undecided issue

“…1 Urogenital infection accounts for about 15% of male factor infertility. 2 Sexually transmitted infections can impair fertility in men by organ damage, cell damage via mediators of inflammation, obstruction, binding to spermatozoa. 3 There may be inflammation of the tissues of testis and genital tract such as orchitis and epididymitis, partial or complete obstruction of genital tract, reduced viability and motility of spermatozoa.…”

“…Infections of C. trachomatis in males are mostly asymptomatic and can cause urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis and epididymoorchitis. 2 Penile urethra is the primary site of infection with C. trachomatis in males. The most common clinical ABSTRACT Background: Seropositivity of Chlamydia trachomatis in men is suggestive of chronic and recurrent infection with this sexually transmitted organism.…”