Effects of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections on Seminal Parameters in Male Partners of Infertile Couples.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility that herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection could affect seminal parameters, we (1) standardize and validate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay to detect HSV-1 and HSV-2 in semen, and (2) determine the prevalence of HSV-1/-2 in the semen of randomized male partners of couples seeking fertility evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 279 semen samples were included in the study from men who visited the Sperm Analysis Section of São Camilo Laboratory of Maringá, Brazil, between November 2014 and July 2015. Eligible men were 18 years or older and had a semen analysis due fertility evaluation (after failing to conceive with their partner after 1 year of unprotected intercourse). Basic seminal parameters were analyzed, and HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected by M-PCR. RESULTS: The M-PCR assay clearly distinguished and identified 2 HSV types in semen samples. HSV in total was detected in 10.7% of samples, of which 7.5% had HSV-1 exclusively and 3.2% had HSV-2 exclusively. We detected a significant association of HSV-2 infection with hematospermia and with a lower mean seminal volume, and between HSV-1 infection and a lower mean sperm count. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the male partners of infertile couples with HSV infections may have changes on the 2 equally important components of semen, spermatozoa and seminal fluid, which may influence fertility. Further studies enrolling a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm these data and to elucidate the clinical relevance of HSV presence in semen.

Male Partners of Infertile Couples with Seminal Infections of Human Papillomavirus Have Impaired Fertility Parameters.

Several studies have addressed the impact of viral infections on male infertility. However, it is still unknown whether human papillomavirus (HPV) can alter seminal parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in the semen of male partners of couples seeking fertility evaluation. Additionally, we assessed the possibility that HPV infections affect seminal parameters. A total of 229 semen samples were collected from men in the Sperm Analysis Section of São Camilo Laboratory of Maringá, Brazil, between October 2015 and March 2016. Basic seminal parameters were analyzed, and HPV was detected and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. HPV DNA was detected in 16.6% of samples. Of these, 10.5% had single type HPV infections, 6.1% had multiple HPV infections, 5.7% had exclusively high-risk HPV, and 6.1% had exclusively low-risk HPV. Samples positive for single and multiple types of HPV were associated with abnormal viscosity, and samples positive for multiple HPV types were also associated with hypospermia, higher pH, and increased leukocyte numbers. These findings suggest that the male partners of infertile couples with seminal HPV infections may have prostate disturbances indicative of glandular dysfunction, which may influence fertility.