Influence of addition of different antibiotics in semen diluent on viable bacterial count and spermatozoal viability of Awassi ram semen

O Azawi,M Ismaeel

doi:10.5455/vetworld.2012.75-79

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to determine the effects of six different antibiotics in controlling the growth of semen contaminating bacteria and if these antibiotics have any adverse effect on Awassi ram spermatozoa. Semen samples from six mature Awassi rams were used in this study. A total number of 120 ejaculates were collected from the rams using an artificial vagina once a week. Semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility, percentage live sperm, sperm abnormalities, and viable bacterial count. Semen samples were diluted by sodium citrate-fructose-egg yolk. The diluted semen sample was divided into 7 parts. Six types of antibiotics were added to the semen diluent parts including; penicillin G 1000 IU ml-1 with streptomycin 1 mg ml-1, gentamicin sulphate 250 mg ml-1, tetracycline 0.5 mg ml-1, lincomycin 1 mg ml-1, cefoperazone sodium 1mg ml-1, cefdinir 1 mg ml-1 and the seventh part considered as a control group without antibiotic addition. The diluted semen samples were cooled and preserved at 5 Co for 5 days. Cooled diluted semen samples were examined for individual motility, percent of live sperm, sperm abnormalities, acrosomal defects and bacterial count every 24 h until 5 days. Comparing with the control, all the antibiotics examined were effective in controlling bacterial growth (P

Highlights

IntroductionMicroorganisms can affect the male reproductive function directly, causing the agglutination of motile sperm, reducing the ability of acrosome reaction and causing alterations in cell morphology and indirectly, through the production of reactive oxygen species generated by the inflammatory response to the infection (Moretti et al, 2009)
Microorganisms can affect the male reproductive function directly, causing the agglutination of motile sperm, reducing the ability of acrosome reaction and causing alterations in cell morphology and indirectly, through the production of reactive oxygen species generated by the inflammatory response to the infection (Moretti et al, 2009).there is no complete agreement on the detrimental role of the presence of bacteria in the semen
Results of the present study showed a decreased viable bacterial count of all samples including control part stored at 5oC for 72 h of preservation

Summary

Introduction

Microorganisms can affect the male reproductive function directly, causing the agglutination of motile sperm, reducing the ability of acrosome reaction and causing alterations in cell morphology and indirectly, through the production of reactive oxygen species generated by the inflammatory response to the infection (Moretti et al, 2009). There is no complete agreement on the detrimental role of the presence of bacteria in the semen. In cases in which bacteria have been detected, sperm morphology was deemed acceptable and few ejaculates contained inflammatory cells. Presence of bacteria in the ejaculates can affect fertilization directly (Morrell 2006), by adhering to spermatozoa (Diemer et al 1996), impairing their motility (Kaur et al 1986), and inducing acrosome reaction (El-Mulla et al 1996). In the use of AI, it is important to control efficiently the population of micro-organisms in the semen

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Conclusion