The origin of seminal leucocytes and their biological significance were investigated in 76 whole ejaculate samples and 27 split ejaculate samples, obtained from patients attending the Zimbabwe Family Planning Council’s Spilhaus Infertility Clinic at Harare. The leucocytes were more prevalent in fractions 1 and 2 than in fraction 3, implying that the testis, epididymis and prostate are the major sources of seminal leucocytes. The contribution from the seminal vesicles was minimal. An inverse relation is apparent between leucocyte count and sperm count (p < 0.01). The percentage of abnormal sperms was higher (p < 0.05) and the sperm motility poorer in leucocytospermic samples (p < 0.01). Fructose, the seminal vesicular marker, citric acid, the prostatic marker and α-glucosidase, the epididymal marker were not decreased in leucocytospermia. It is concluded that the epididymis and prostate are the major contributors of granulocytes in semen. Leucocytospermia affects sperm morphology and sperm motility but not the accessory sex gland functions. Probably these cytotoxic effects are mediated by hydrogen peroxide due to activation of seminal leucocytes. However, the presence of leucocytospermia in normozoospermic samples is indicative of the possible peaceful coexistence of leucocytes and sperms.

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Aims:  To determine the impact of natural sunlight in disinfecting water contaminated with cysts of Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar using plastic containers. Methods and Results:  Known quantities of Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar cysts in sterile water were exposed to the sun. Containers were made of polyethylene terephthalate, eight painted black on one side, one not painted and another cut open at the top and the last was a high density polypropylene container. Viability testing was performed using vital and fluorescent dyes. The same assays were conducted under cloudy conditions. Thermal control tests were also performed using heat without ultra violet light from the sun. Results show that 99·9% of parasites was inactivated when water temperatures reached 56°C after sunlight exposure. Conclusion:  Both solar radiation and heat produced by the sun have a synergistic effect in killing cysts of Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar when temperatures rise above 50°C, with complete death at 56°C, using painted 2‐l PET containers. Significance and Impact of the Study:  Solar disinfection system using PET containers painted black on one side can be used to disinfect water against Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar using natural sunlight.

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