[Influence of Candida albicans on the motility and ultrastructure of human spermatozoa in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the influence of Candida albicans (Ca) on the motility and ultrastructure of human spermatozoa and its possible mechanism.


METHODS
Semen samples obtained from 10 healthy volunteers by masturbation were prepared by the swim-up technique and sperm density to 40 x 10(6)/ml. The samples were then inoculated at 37 degrees C with different concentrations of a uropathogenic strain of Ca isolated from an outpatient, with initial fungi/spermatozoa ratios varying among 1:1 (Group A), 1:10 (Group B), 1:100 (Group C), 1:1000(Group D), and 1:10,000 (Group E). And Group F containing Ham's F-10 only was found as the negative control. Motion parameters were analysed by computer-aided sperm analyzer (CASA) at 0 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours respectively. Modalities of spermatozoa and possible adherence and/or agglutination were observed under the light microscope. Finally, all the samples were studied by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Distinct adhesion of spermatozoa to Ca and agglutination were noticed. In all the motion parameters, progressive motility was affected most and dependent upon incubation time and bacterial concentration. Progressive motility showed a significant difference between Group A and the control (P < 0.01). With the prolongation of incubation time, other parameters were showing more and more differences. Analysis by electron microscopy revealed multiple ultrastructural damages.


CONCLUSIONS
Ca significantly inhibits human sperm motility and decreases sperm viability in vitro. Its mechanism is possibly related to Ca's adhesion to human spermatozoa and the impairment inflicted by Ca to sperm ultrastructure.
Tian
Yong-hong
YH
Research Institute of Family Planning, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Liu
Juan
J
Xu
Hui-min
HM
Hu
Lian
L
Xiong
Cheng-liang
CL
D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*