Detection of Mycoplasma DNA from the sperm specimens of infertile men by PCR

ABSTRACT

Infections in accessory sex glands are considered as potential hazards to male fertility. These infections can affect different sites of the male reproductive tract such as the testis, epididymis and male accessory sex glands. Transmission of these infections to female partners causes genital infection, infertility and abortion. The aim of this study was to detect Mycoplasma, as one of the causatives, from the semen of infertile males using PCR assay. The survey considered 100 infertile men who referred to clinics and had not used antibiotics for 7 days prior to sampling. The infertility of cases was confirmed by a physician specialist. The sperm specimens were collected in sterile condition and sent to the laboratory rapidly. Specimens were examined for presence of Ureaplasma urealiticum and Mycoplasma hominis by PCR. Meanwhile, the history of vaginal infections and abortion in the female sexual partners was investigated. The results of multiplex PCR were compared with spermogram. All patients had no symptoms of genital infection. Of 100 infertile men, 33 [33%] were positive for CMU organisms [Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Unreaplasma]. Uureaplasma urealiticum and Mycoplasma hominis were detected in 17 and 3 of patients respectively. Due to some problems in culturing of CMU organisms, PCR can be used as a diagnostic technique to detect such pathogens from seminal fluid of infertile men that leads to choose appropriate therapy in a shortest time