The influence of Mycoplasma species on human and canine semen quality: a review

Abstract

Mycoplasma species (spp.) are bacteria that are difficult to detect. Currently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered the most effective diagnostic tool to detect these microorganisms in both human and veterinary medicine. There are 13 known species of human Mycoplasma and 15 species of canine Mycoplasma . Owing to the difficulties in identifying the individual species of Mycoplasma , there is a lack of information regarding which species are saprophytic and which are pathogenic. The prevalence of the individual species is also unknown. In addition, in both humans and dogs, the results of some studies on the impact of Mycoplasma are conflicting. The presence of Mycoplasma spp. on the epithelium of reproductive tract is often associated with infertility, although they are also detected in healthy individuals. The occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. is more common in dogs (even 89%) than in humans (1.3%–4%). This is probably because the pH of a dog’s genital is more conducive to the growth of Mycoplasma spp. than that of humans. Phylogenetically, human and canine Mycoplasma are related, and majority of them belong to the same taxonomic group. Furthermore, 40% of canine Mycoplasma spp. are placed in common clusters with those of human. This suggests that species from the same cluster can play a similar role in the canine and human reproductive tracts. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about the impact of Mycoplasma on canine and human male fertility as well as the prospects of further development in this field.

Association of Mycoplasma canis with Fertility Disorders in Dogs: A Case Study Supported by Clinical Examination, PCR, 16S Microbiota Profiling, and Serology

“…At the same time, they found that 20% of culture-positive samples were negative by PCR, which is currently considered the most effective method, especially since it is more sensitive than culture. However, it should be noted that PCR does not prove whether bacteria are alive or not [9,43], except when using viability PCR [44]. It is still unclear which factors have a direct influence on susceptibility to mycoplasma infections.…”

The Impact of Microorganisms on Canine Semen Quality

“…DNA isolation was performed using the Swab-Extract DNA Purification Kit (Eurx, Gda ńsk, Poland), following the manufacturer's guidelines. PCR reactions were performed using recently published primers specific to various Mycoplasma species [21], along with Taq PCR Master Mix (2x) (Eurx, Gda ńsk, Poland). Protocols for PCR were adapted from standard procedures described previously [22,23].…”

Detection and evaluation of different morphological forms of Mycoplasma hominis in human semen

“…), M. hominis , M. genitalium , M. fermentans , M. spermatophilum , Ureaplasma urealyticum , Ureaplasma parvum , and some other species, have been found on the mucosal surfaces of the urogenital tracts. 1 They are commonly referred to as “urogenital Mycoplasmas ”. In men, they colonize the urethra, semen, and foreskin, and in women, the vagina and rarely the cervical canal.…”

“…In men, they colonize the urethra, semen, and foreskin, and in women, the vagina and rarely the cervical canal. 1 2 Their main route of transmission is sexual. Therefore, young people with high sexual activity and frequent partner changes, as well as persons involved in group sex and homosexuals, are more often colonized.…”

“…In the studies carried out in 2013–2017, it was shown that male infertility is associated with M. hominis infection. 1 The source of urogenital infection in these cases are sexual partners who are carriers of Mycoplasma , and in particular women with bacterial vaginosis, in which M. hominis is usually present. 5 Moreover, it has been noted that M. hominis affects embryo implantation during artificial insemination.…”