Aniline blue staining method for sperm DNA fragmentation index: A guide to sperm quality and infertility management – An observational study in males from South Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility rate all over the globe is on the rise and semen analysis forms the only basic investigation for male infertility. The success of infertility treatment depends on many semen parameters. In this study, we focus on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) by the aniline blue staining method. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was correlated with other semen parameters. The semen parameters in low DFI and high DFI (HDFI) groups were compared to highlight the importance of DFI in infertility management. Methodology: The sample size was 60. The semen parameters were studied. The sperm chromatin integrity and DFI were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating mean, standard deviation, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and unpaired t-test. Results: DFI showed a significant negative correlation with sperm count, progressive motility of sperms, sperm vitality, and a positive correlation with sperm deformity index (SDI). The cases were grouped according to DFI and showed statistically significant differences in the two groups with respect to sperm count, motility, sperm vitality, and SDI indicating poor sperm quality. HDFI group underwent prolonged infertility treatment. Conclusion: Acidic aniline blue staining method is a feasible screening test for sperm DFI which correlates well with semen analysis parameters such as low sperm counts, low progressive motility, low sperm vitality, and high SDI. A high SDF has a negative impact on infertility management.