Background: The role of genital
Ureaplasma
species, genital
Mycoplasma
(M) species,
and
Chlamydia
(C.) trachomatis, the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacteria, in male
infertility are still not clear. Different reports about the impact of these bacteria on semen
quality are controversial.
Objective: This study was proposed to determine the frequency of bacteriospermia in
men and investigate the relationship between the presence of these bacteria and semen
quality using molecular assay.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 semen samples obtained from
men attending the research and clinical centers for fertility in Kerman, Iran, between
July and December 2019 were analyzed for semen volume, progressive motility, nonprogressive
motility, total progressive motility, and viability according to the World Health
Organization guidelines. The polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of
related bacteria.
Results: The mean values of volume, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, total
progressive motility, and viability were significantly lower in infertile men (p < 0.001).
Statistically significant correlations were observed between the presence of
M.
genitalium and progressive sperm motility,
M. hominis and semen volume,
Ureaplasma parvum
and the sperm normal form, and
C. trachomatis and the sperm progressive
motility and viability. Logistic regression analysis showed that
M. genitalium (OR = 8.06,
p < 0.001) and
C. trachomatis (OR = 16, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with male
infertility.
Conclusion: During the infertility assessment, clinicians should consider of role
C.
trachomatis and
M. genitalium in male infertility. Screening test particularly for
asymptomatic individuals is recommended.
