Bacteriospermia and the production of reactive oxygen species in the semen of males from infertile couples

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of bacteriospermia, the representation of specific micro-organisms and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the semen of males from infertile couples in comparison with the semen of fertile volunteers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Males from infertile couples were divided according to WHO criteria of their spermiogram results into those with normospermia (Group A, n = 65) and those with semen abnormalities (Group B, n = 116). The control group consisted of 44 fertile volunteers (Group C, n = 44). Aerobic culture was performed to ascertain the genus and species of the present microorganisms. ROS production was estimated by the chemiluminescence method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The incidence of positive cultures in the semen between Groups A, B and C (69 %, 74 % and 66 %, respectively) did not differ significantly, with Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species being most frequently identified. A significant difference was found only between the occurrence of microorganism Escherichia coli in the groups A, B and C (11.1 %, 9.3 % and 3.2 %). There were no statistically significant differences between ROS production in semen with positive or negative culture in any of the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In all the studied groups, the incidence of bacteriospermia as well as ROS production in the semen were similar. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species were found in all groups. A significantly higher frequency of Escherichia coli in the semen samples of males from infertile couples in comparison with those from fertile volunteers was observed. No differences in ROS production in semen samples with positive and negative culture results were found in any of the studied groups.