Abstract:
Introduction:
Spermatozoa are considered a living biological entity.Its
environment has a profound effect on important sperm
parameters. The ptesence of bacteria in the seminal fluid
could be expected to influence the number, activity and
morphology of the spermatozoa.
Objectives:
1. To identify common pathogens in seminal fluid with
altered seminal patameters.
2. To evaluate he effect of pathogens on commonly used
semen parameters.
Methodology:
A descriptive observational study was conducted at a tertiary
care infertility centre in Sri Lanka .a total of 197 subjects
with reduced motilirv and altered morphology were
included tor bacrenoiogicai assessment by seminal culture.
Results:
Positive bacterial cultures were obtained in 78% (n=l48))
and of these only 43%(n=64) had pus cells.
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus feacalis were the commonest organisms present and reduced motility was
observed in 44% (16/36) and 60% (45/75) tespectively.
Reduced motility wads also present in cases with Coliforms
100% (6/6), Escherichia coli 63% (7/11), Beta Haemolytic
streptococci 58% (4/7) and Klebsiella species 54% (6/11).
Morphological abnormalities were associated with coloforms
50% (3/6) ,E coli 36% (4/11) Pseudomonas 40% (2/5).
Conclusion:
Absence of pus cells (WBC) in the semen does not guarantee
the absence of infection as silent sub clinical infection could
present affecting sperm activity and morphology.
Recommendation:
Bacteriological evaluation of the semen would be of use in
the evaluation of the sub fertile male with abnormal sperm
parameters.
