year 19, Issue 2 (March - April 2025)
Iran J Med Microbiol 2025, 19(2): 96-106 |
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N. AL-baroody H, Ibrahim Rahim A, Abdul-Ameer AL-Ogla E, Ibrahim Raheem Al-Dulaimi T. The Role of Bacterial Infection in Sperm Parameters and DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Men. Iran J Med Microbiol 2025; 19 (2) :96-106
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2669-en.html
URL: http://ijmm.ir/article-1-2669-en.html
Huda N. AL-baroody1 
, Ali Ibrahim Rahim2 , Etab Abdul-Ameer AL-Ogla3 , Thulfiqar Ibrahim Raheem Al-Dulaimi4
, Ali Ibrahim Rahim2 , Etab Abdul-Ameer AL-Ogla3 , Thulfiqar Ibrahim Raheem Al-Dulaimi4
1- Department of Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq , huda.najh@uokerbala.edu.iq
2- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najef, Iraq & College of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Al-Kafeel IVF Center, Najef, Iraq
3- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
4- Department of Urology, Iraqi Board of Medical Specializations, Al-Sadr Medical City, Najaf, Iraq
2- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najef, Iraq & College of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed, Al-Kafeel IVF Center, Najef, Iraq
3- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
4- Department of Urology, Iraqi Board of Medical Specializations, Al-Sadr Medical City, Najaf, Iraq
Abstract: (96 Views)
Background and Aim: Infertility is an increasing problem worldwide, and earlier bacterial infections are unrecognized but potentially modifiable risk factors. Their impact on sperm health must be understood to create targeted therapies. This study aimed to investigate the role of bacterial infection in male infertility.
Materials and Methods: Seminal fluid samples were obtained from 64 male individuals who attended the Infertility and IVF Treatment Center in Al-Kafeel Hospital, Karbala. All samples were assessed for the sperm parameters, its DNA fragmentation, and bacterial infection.
Results: Among 64 infertile men, 31 (48%) had positive bacterial culture of various species. The highest percentage was among Gram-positive bacteria (51.6%). Sperm progressive motility and morphology showed a significant association with bacterial infection (P<0.05). Furthermore, a substantial risk of sperm DNA fragmentation was seen in contaminated semen samples. According to the analysis of the effect of each bacterial species on sperm characteristics, the results showed that Enterobacter spp. had the greatest effect on sperm immobilization, while coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) showed a high rate of abnormal morphology and DNA fragmentation, indicating their severe impact on sperm morphology and DNA.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for early detection and targeted antimicrobial strategies to reduce the adverse effects of infections on male reproductive health and fertility. Further investigation is necessary to explore the potential treatment options and improve the reproductive outcomes in affected individuals.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Medical Bacteriology
Received: 2025/03/14 | Accepted: 2025/05/29 | ePublished: 2025/06/6
Received: 2025/03/14 | Accepted: 2025/05/29 | ePublished: 2025/06/6
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