Detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma by flow cytometry: comparison with the indirect immunobead binding test.
OBJECTIVE
To compare flow cytometry with the established indirect immunobead binding test (IBT) for the detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma.


METHODS
A prospective, comparative study.


METHODS
University-based andrology unit.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-eight men with suspected male factor subfertility.


METHODS
Seminal plasma samples were incubated with antisperm antibody-negative donor sperm. Surface-bound antibody was detected with fluorescence-labeled antihuman antibody in the flow cytometry assay or with immunobead-labeled antihuman antibody in the IBT.


METHODS
The percentage of sperm that tested positive for surface-bound antibody was determined in the two assays. Seminal plasma was antisperm antibody-positive when > or = 20% of the sperm were antibody-bound, and clinically significant levels were present when > or = 50% of the sperm were antibody-bound.


RESULTS
Of 71 samples that were negative by the IMT, 66 (93%) also were negative by flow cytometry. Of 63 samples that had > or = 50% immunobead binding, 55 had equivalent results by flow cytometry. Overall statistical analysis showed a good correlation between the two assays.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a good correlation between the indirect IBT and indirect flow cytometry for the detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma.
Nicholson
S C
SC
Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Maternity Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Robinson
J N
JN
Sargent
I L
IL
Barlow
D H
DH
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies