The presence of bacteria species in semen and sperm quality

Abstract

Sperm bacterial contamination is quite frequent and could contribute to the deterioration of the sperm quality of infertile men.

The Impact of Bacterial Infections on Human Spermatozoa

“…Mehta et al (46) isolated some pathogenic bacteria from semen samples of male partners in infertile couples, including Enterococcus faecalis, micrococci, and alpha-haemolytic streptococci. Other studies mentioned that the contamination and colonization of some bacteria in the male urogenital tract, rather than infection, could also contribute to the decrease in sperm quality (47,48).…”

“…It has also been demonstrated that E. coli can start the apoptotic process by activating several caspases, proteases responsible for mitochondrial changes, alterations in membrane symmetry, and DNA fragmentation (48).…”

“…It is also the primary bacteria associated with prostatitis and epididymitis (77). E. coli has a passive effect on sperm motility and acrosomal function (48). Several authors were described spermagglutination and immobilization by E. coli (52,78).…”

“…The results of another study clearly showed a spermicidal activity of Streptococcus anginosus, thereby, affecting sperm concentration and triggering necrosis. Additionally, Staphylococcus epidermidis had negative effects on sperm concentration and progressive motility (48).…”

Ultrastructure of Spermatozoa from Infertility Patients

“…Moretti et al [101] examined ejaculate samples from infertile patients and detected Enteroccocus faecalis and Escherichia coli most frequently and, at lower frequencies, Streptococcus agalactiae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus anginosus, and Morganella morganii. With the exception of U. urealyticum, the microorganisms are classed with the nonspecific saprophytic microflora and are not addressed in a conventional testing of infertility patients.…”