Sperm and seminal plasma antibodies in acquired immune deficiency (AIDS) and other associated syndromes

Abstract

Although HIV has been established as the etiologic agent in AIDS, other contributory cofactors may be responsible for selective clinical manifestations of the syndrome. While the pathogenesis remains unclear, the development of immunologic abnormalities observed in some homosexual males with AIDS and AIDS-related complex may be attributed to repeated exposure to allogeneic sperm and seminal plasma components. Accordingly, antibody levels to semen fractions were measured in sera from 338 individuals (295 AIDS, 36 ARC, 16 randomly selected homosexuals, 29 patients with infectious hepatitis, 12 hemophiliacs, 20 rheumatic disease patients, and 24 healthy heterosexual adults). The methods were (i) passive hemagglutination for antibodies to human seminal plasma (HuSePl), and (ii) indirect immunofluorescence (IF) assay on methanol-fixed human sperm noting staining of acrosomal, equatorial, postnuclear, and tail main-piece regions. HuSePl was positive in 31% AIDS sera, while 39% were positive by IF. ARC sera were 30% positive for HuSePl and 38% positive IF. No control sera were positive. Results reveal a significant incidence of antibody to sperm and seminal plasma components in ARC and AIDS patients. Because of the known immunomodulating properties of both, it is possible that these responses may indicate risk factors for disease progression and severity.