Bacteriospermia and its association with seminal fluid parameters and infertility in infertile men, Kerman, Iran: A cross-sectional study

The role of genital Ureaplasma speices, genital Mycoplasma (M) speices, and Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacteria, in male infertility are still not clear. Different reports about the impact of these bacteria on semen quality are controversial.

This study was proposed to determine the frequency of bacteriospermia in men and investigate the relationship between the presence of these bacteria and semen quality using molecular assay.

In this cross-sectional study, 200 semen samples obtained from men attending the research and clinical centers for fertility in Kerman, Iran, between July and December 2019 were analyzed for semen volume, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, total progressive motility, and viability according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of related bacteria.

The mean values of volume, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, total progressive motility, and viability were significantly lower in infertile men (p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the presence of M. genitalium and progressive sperm motility, M. hominis and semen volume, Ureaplasma parvum and the sperm normal form, and C. trachomatis and the sperm progressive motility and viability. Logistic regression analysis showed that M. genitalium (OR = 8.06, p < 0.001) and C. trachomatis (OR = 16, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with male infertility.

During the infertility assessment, clinicians should consider of role C. trachomatis and M. genitalium in male infertility. Screening test particularly for asymptomatic individuals is recommended.