Candida albicans and filtrates interfere with human spermatozoal motility and alter the ultrastructure of spermatozoa: an in vitro study.
The in vitro effects of Candida albicans and its filtrates on the motility and ultrastructure of human spermatozoa from healthy donors were studied. A significant reduction in sperm progressive motility and signs of membrane alteration, directly related to contact time were observed. Distinct adhesion of spermatozoa to C. albicans and agglutination were observed. Light and transmission electron microscopy examinations showed that spermatozoa attached to C. albicans mainly via the head. Multiple ultrastructural lesions were present, which were the possible morphological reasons for spermatozoan immobilization observed in the present study. It is concluded that C. albicans as well as its filtrates had an inhibitory effect on human sperm motility and impaired the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa, which could be associated with male infertility.
Tian
Yong-Hong
YH
Center of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Family Planning Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan, China.
Xiong
Jin-Wen
JW
Hu
Lian
L
Huang
Dong-Hui
DH
Xiong
Cheng-Liang
CL
D002176:Candida albicans / Q000502:physiology*; D005374:Filtration; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure*