RESUMEN
<p><b>AIM</b>To determine the frequency of genetic deletions within the azoospermia factors in Egyptian infertile males.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Yq microdeletions in 33 infertile males with undetectable chromosomal anomalies were examined by mutiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Deletions were confirmed using single PCR amplifications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four out of the total 33 (12 %) men had Yq(11) microdeletions, thus supporting the average reported figures in other populations. Three of those 4 cases had single short tandem sequence deletions with discrete histological findings of their testes. Single sY272 deletion within AZFc was associated with Sertoli cell only syndrome, whereas a patient with isolated sY84 deletion within AZFa had immature testicular structure. The remaining case had a large deletion in AZFa-c and short stature.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present study supports the hypothesis that the Yq(11) encompasses genetic determinants of stature besides genes controlling spermatogenesis.</p>