Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum are detected in semen after washing before assisted reproductive technology procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen and to explore their effect on semen andrology variables.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of a private hospital.


METHODS
Three hundred forty-three men participating in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycle.


METHODS
The prevalence of ureaplasmas in semen and washed semen tested by culture, polymerase chain reaction assays, and indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays.


RESULTS
Ureaplasmas were detected in 73 of 343 (22%) semen samples and 29 of 343 (8.5%) washed semen samples. Ureaplasmas adherent to the surface of spermatozoa were demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescent antibody testing. Ureplasma parvum serovar 6 (36.6%) and U. urealyticum (30%) were the most prevalent isolates in washed semen. A comparison of the semen andrology variables of washed semen ureaplasma positive and negative groups demonstrated a lower proportion of nonmotile sperm in men ureaplasma positive for washed semen.


CONCLUSIONS
Ureaplasmas are not always removed from semen by a standard ART washing procedure and can remain adherent to the surface of spermatozoa.
Knox
Christine L
CL
Centre for Molecular Biotechnology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. c.knox@qut.edu.au
Allan
John A
JA
Allan
Janet M
JM
Edirisinghe
W Rohini
WR
Stenzel
Deborah
D
Lawrence
Felicity A
FA
Purdie
David M
DM
Timms
Peter
P
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014509:Ureaplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016990:Ureaplasma urealyticum / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure