STUDY ON EFFECTS OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS WITH AEROBIC BACTERIA ON SPERM QUALITY

Abstract

Introduction: This study was performed to evaluate the association between male reproductive tract infections with aerobic bacteria and semen quality among men who are seeking infertility treatment at a tertiary care setting. Methodology: Male partners of infertile couples who presented for treatment to the professorial unit at the De Soyza Hospital for Women were recruited for the study (n=200). Seminal fluid analysis and seminal fluid culture were performed according to the WHO criteria. Mid-stream urine culture was. performed on the same day to exclude urinary tract infections. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 15.0.: Normal sperm concentration was seen in 69.5% (n=139/193); normal sperm motility was seen in 39.5 %(n=79/193);normal sperm morphology was seen in 38% (n=76/179) and normal sperm vitality was seen in 36.5 %(n=73/179). Pathogenic organisms were isolated in seminal fluid in 8% of males (n=16/191) with a colony count of more than 103 ,out of which two also had concomitant urinary tract infections with the same pathogen. Another 7.5%(n=15/191) showed a mixed growth of organisms. Organisms isolated in positive cultures were, Staphylococcus aureus in 37.5%(n=6), beta([3) hemolytic Streptococci in 18.8%, (n=3), alpha(a) hemolytic Streptococci in 12.5% (n=2), non-hemolytic Streptococci in 6.3% (n=1) and Escherichia coli in 5.9% (n=1). Analysis did not show a significant association between tnesoninal fluid infections with aerobic organisms and seminal fluid parameters. P mitees luumniiwiiiil uammsaas were concentration (0.465), motrttfy (0.608), morphology (0.869) and viability (0.137). Conclusion: Infections with aerobic organisms have not shown an effect on seminal fluid parameters.