title: Anti-sperm antibodies in homosexual men: prevalence and correlation with sexual behaviour.
abstract: The sera of 60 homosexual males were examined for the presence of antibodies to sperm using an indirect immunobead test (IBT). Six of 60 (10%) had antibodies of IgG isotype; in addition two of the six had antibodies of IgA isotype. The presence of antibodies was associated with the practice of unprotected receptive anal intercourse in the previous six months. Antibodies were not found in homosexual men who were celibate, or who practised only oral intercourse during the same period. There was no correlation between the presence of anti-sperm antibodies and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or numbers of T lymphocytes. These preliminary results lend support to the hypothesis that antigen presentation in the lower gut may be a source of sensitisation against sperm. The possibility that anti-sperm antibodies may be a marker of receptive anal intercourse merits further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Burnet Clinical Research Unit, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne.
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Mulhall
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fieldhouse
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Donovan
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Short
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes