Electron microscopy of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the male genital tract.
Semen specimens and testicular and epididymis biopsy from a patient of an infertile marriage were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Intraepithelial vesicles containing C. trachomatis were present in remaining cytoplasmic droplets in spermatozoa, desquamated epithelial cells, and stereocilia from epididymis. Elementary bodies were demonstrated in connective tissue from testes and in Leydig cells. The association between the microorganisms and spermatozoa contribute to the decreased motility and necrospermia. The morphologic alterations in epididymis are responsible for decreased sperm maturation. The damage to Leydig cells can be demonstrated only by electron microscopy.
Villegas
H
H
Department of Electron Microscopy, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico, DF.
Piñon
M
M
Shor
V
V
Karchmer
S
S
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000473:pathology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology; D013737:Testis / Q000648:ultrastructure