Microbiological investigation in male infertility: a practical overview.
The roles of inflammation and/or infection of the male accessory sex glands are very important for the potential effects that these conditions may have on male fertility. The clinical andrologist should be aware of the pathophysiological role of the main determinants of sperm damage when these conditions occur, in particular, seminal leukocytes, oxidative stress and cytokines. In addition, it is important to have a good knowledge of the methodologies to be used in clinical practice. This article summarizes the methods used to look for and to identify the micro-organisms responsible for male urogenital tract infections. These include sperm culture, urine culture, urethral swabbing, the Meares-Stamey test and balanopreputial swabbing. Finally, we discuss the role of human papilloma virus infection in male infertility.
Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Sandro
S
La Vignera
Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Rosita A
RA
Condorelli
Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Enzo
E
Vicari
Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Mario
M
Salmeri
Department of Urology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Morgia
Department of Urology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Vincenzo
V
Favilla
Department of Urology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Sebastiano
S
Cimino
Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Aldo E
AE
Calogero
D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008828:Microbiological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D060737:Reproductive Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology