helicobacter pylori contribute to infertility?

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter Pylori is one of the important causes of chronic gastritis. It has also been implicated in extragastric disorders, such as skin diseases of autoimmune nature, vascular disorders and platelet disorders. The most acceptable hypothesis is the existence of mimicry between H Pylori antigens and cells of different host tissues. The prevalence of H Pylori infection among Egyptians is very high. The possibility of involvement of H Pylori in the pathogenesis of infertility is intriguing. H Pylori usually lasts for the patient's entire life. This may boost autoimmune reactions. Mimicry has been shown between human beta-tubulin protein [present in spermatozoa] and H Pylori flagellin, Cag A and Vac A. Antibodies to these antigens cross reacted with human spermatozoa. Our study was conducted on 30 males complaining from infertility problem, 10 healthy fertile controls were included. CASA was performed, together with H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal fluid. There was a high prevalence of H Pylori IgA antibodies in seminal plasma of patients complaining of infertility and having asthenospermia as compared to the fertile control group