Leukocytospermia and/or bacteriospermia: impact on male infertility
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Abstract
Infertility is a globally underestimated public health concern affecting almost 190 million people, i.e., about 17.5% of people during their lifetime, while the prevalence of male factor infertility is about 7%. Among numerous other causes, the prevalence of male genital tract infections reportedly ranges between 10% and 35%. Leukocytospermia is found in 30% of infertile men and up to 20% in fertile men. Bacterial infections cause an inflammatory response attracting leukocytes, which produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release cytokines, both of which can cause damage to sperm, rendering them dysfunctional. Although leukocytospermia and bacteriospermia are both clinical conditions that can negatively affect male fertility, there is still debate about their impact on assisted reproduction outcomes and management. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, leukocytes should be determined by means of the Endtz test or with monoclonal antibodies against CD15, CD68 or CD22. The cut-off value proposed by the WHO is 1 × 106 peroxidase-positive cells/mL. For bacteria, Gram staining and semen culture are regarded as the “gold standard”, while modern techniques such as PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) are allowing clinicians to detect a wider range of pathogens
Description
Keywords
bacteriospermia, Endtz test, leukocytospermia, next-generation sequencing, oxidative stress
Citation
Henkel, R., 2024. Leukocytospermia and/or Bacteriospermia: Impact on Male Infertility. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(10), p.2841.