Evaluation of serum antisperm antibodies in infertility

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the role of serum antisperm antibody (ASA) in infertility. Method and Material: This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur (C.G.), India, from December 2006 to July 2008 over 105 selected couples with primary and secondary infertility attending the infertility clinic. Their detailed clinical history was taken. Physical examination and routine as well as special investigations like pelvic USG, follicular study, and hysterosalpingography were done in the female. Complete physical examination and semen analysis of male partners were done. Couples were subjected to post coital test (PCT) 2-6 hours after intercourse to rule out cervical factor. Serum ASA titer in both partners was detected by ELISA. Results were interpreted for qualitative evaluation. ASA-positive cases were treated with low-dose daily oral prednisolone for 3 months and evaluated in terms of ASA titer, semen analysis, PCT result, and conception rate. The results were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Out of 105 couples, serum ASA-positive males were 38 (39.19%), of which definite serum ASA positive were 9 (8.57%), borderline (equivocal) were 29 (27.61%), and negative were 67 (63.08%). Among females serum ASA positive were 42 (40%), in which definite ASA positive were 19 (18.09%), borderline 23 (21.9%), and negative 63 (60%). Asthenospermia was found more common in ASA-positive men (55.56%, p=0.0001). Poor PCT was most commonly associated in husband ASA negative and wife ASA positive. Treatment with low-dose oral prednisolone resulted in significant increase in motility of sperms in male partners and decrease in ASA titer in both the patients. Pregnancy was achieved in 45.23% ASA-positive females, while among couples with ASA-positive husbands, 31.57% of wives conceived. Conclusion: Serum ASA are considered to be cause of unexplained infertility and unexplained abnormal PCT. Antibodies against sperm prevent their motility through female reproductive tract and hamper the process of fertilization. Low-dose prednisolone was useful in infertility associated with ASA by improving sperm quality and giving rise to pregnancies. Keyword: serum antisperm antibody, post coital test, ELISA.