PATHOGENS IN SEMEN WITH ABNORMAL PARAMETERS

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.