Sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with genitourinary infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of sperm cells with fragmented DNA in semen samples from men with genitourinary infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma and the influence of antibiotic therapy, using the sperm chromatin dispersion test with the Halosperm kit.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University-affiliated reproductive medicine center, medical genetics laboratory, and academic biology center.


METHODS
One hundred forty-three male member of couples attending the andrology infertility center and a group of 50 fertile subjects. The effect of antibiotic treatment was evaluated in 95 male patients.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Classical semen analysis (concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality), sperm DNA fragmentation, and clinical outcome.


RESULTS
The mean percentage of sperm cells with fragmented DNA was 35.2% +/- 13.5%, 3.2 times higher than in the control fertile group (10.8% +/- 5.6%). Concentration, morphology, and motility were also significantly affected but to a much lower degree. Sperm vitality was not significantly affected. After 3.8 +/- 2.2 months of antibiotic treatment, the mean frequency of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA decreased from 37.7% +/- 13.6% to 24.2% +/- 11.2%. Sperm concentration and motility were not significantly improved. In a group of 16 couples who attempted pregnancy during antibiotic treatment course, only 12.5% achieved pregnancy. However, in a group of 14 couples who attempted pregnancy after finishing the antibiotic treatment, 85.7% achieved it. The only significant differences found between groups was the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with genitourinary infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma have increased sperm DNA fragmentation in comparison with fertile controls. This increase is proportionally greater than the influence on classical semen parameters and could result in a decreased fertility potential. Antibiotic therapy appears to be important in providing a remedy for infection-induced high DNA fragmentation levels.
Gallegos
Guadalupe
G
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México.
Ramos
Benito
B
Santiso
Rebeca
R
Goyanes
Vicente
V
Gosálvez
Jaime
J
Fernández
José Luis
JL
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000235:genetics*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000235:genetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents