Impact of the malaria parasite on reproductive indices of male mice.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact and possible mechanism of action of the rodent malarial parasite on reproduction. Methods: Male albino mice were infected with 15, 30 and 45%Plasmodium berghei berghei through inoculation with 107 parasitized red blood cells. Each experiment had its own control that was not infected with P. berghei berghei. Mice infected with 15%P. berghei berghei were killed on days 0, 5, 10 and 15; those infected with 30%P. berghei berghei were killed on days 0, 3, 6 and 10; and those infected with 45%P. berghei berghei were killed on days 1-7 after infection. Caudal epididymal sperm motility, counts and morphology, body and wet organ weights and hematological indices were determined. Results: The results showed a progressive duration dependent decrease in sperm motility, sperm count and viability (P<0.01) in parasitized mice. There were significant decreases in serum testosterone and increases in cortisol levels (P<0.05) in the infected mice compared with the controls. There was also a progressive decrease (P<0.05) in red blood cell count and packed cell volume. However, there was a progressive increase (P<0.01) in white blood cell count and weight of the spleen and liver. There was no significant change in weight of the testis and epididymides. Conclusion: The results suggest that the malaria parasite could depress male fertility indices. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5: 201-209).