Is the sperm bacterial ratio a determining factor in impairment of sperm motility: an in‐vitro study in man with Escherichia coli

Abstract

The effects of urogenital infection on male fertility are controversial. The object of this study was to assess whether contact between E. coli, one of the bacteria encountered most frequently in semen cultures, and sperm was involved in decreasing motility of the sperm. Sperm from healthy donors were therefore incubated at two concentrations (1.10(7) and 4.10(7) ml-1) with bacteria (10(4) and 10(6) bacteria ml-1 respectively). Sperm motility was assessed as a function of time. The endotoxin effect was also evaluated. Aliquots of the sperm were used as controls. The motility of a population of 10(6) sperm ml-1 was reduced significantly more by the presence of 10(6) ml-1 E. coli than a sperm population four times more numerous. Since the endotoxin had no effect on sperm motility, it is possible this phenomenon is due to bacterial adherence to the sperm. From this study, it is therefore probable that the presence of E. coli in semen decreases sperm motility, but that this depends on the sperm:bacterial ratio ml semen-1.

Andrology: Effects of nitric oxide on human spermatozoa: evidence that nitric oxide decreases sperm motility and induces sperm toxicity

“…This is preceded or accompanied by activation of lymphocytes and macrophages as well as the presence of an increased number of white blood cells in the semen (Haney et al, 1983;Anderson and Hill, 1988;Barratt et al, 1990), and depends on the extent of the infection and of the microorganism/spermatozoa ratio (Auroux et al, 1991). Several factors such as highly reactive oxygen free radicals, lymphokines and monokines generated by activated polymorphonuclear cells have been implicated in inducing infertility by causing sperm toxicity and reducing sperm motility (Aitken, 1989;Aitken et al, 1991;Plante et al, 1994).…”

Toxicity of 32.2 kDa MW Escherichia coli Pili Adhesin Isolated from Infertile Male Semen in Reproductive System

“…Visually, the attachment is also evident from the results of this study. According to Auroux et al (1991), E. coli affects the spermatozoa only when E. coli is in contact with spermatozoa. According to Diemer et al (1996), the interaction of E. coli and spermatozoa occur in two stages, first the adhesin, then the destruction of spermatozoa membrane.…”

Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual en Semen: El Hombre como Vector de Transmisión

“…La presencia de E. coli en semen induce a una baja motilidad de espermatozoides dependiendo de la relación semen-bacteria que se encuentre presente. La unión de E. coli al espermatozoide es a través de residuos de azúcar, especialmente manosa, receptores que también son cruciales para la unión del espermatozoide a la zona pelúcida del ovocito (Sánchez et al, 1989, Auroux et al, 1991.…”