Sperm-Impairing Escherichia coli, Alcohol and Male Infertility: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Purpose: Establishment of a male Balb/c mouse model to study the role of sperm immobilizing E. coli with or without alcohol on mouse reproductive potential. Materials and Methods: The mice in the experimental groups were intraperitoneally administered with different doses (104, 106 or 108 cfu) of sperm immobilizing E. coli alone or in combination with alcohol and as control group alcohol alone or PBS for 10 consecutive days. The groups were evaluated for change in body weight, seminal parameters, bacterial load and histopathological changes. Results: Weight gain was observed only in mice receiving PBS, whereas there was decrease in weight in all the groups except the group receiving 104 cfu where weight remained constant. No significant change in tissue somatic index was observed in any group. Reduced motility and viability was noticed in all groups except group receiving PBS. Decapitation was observed in groups instilled with 104 cfu and 104 cfu along with alcohol. Seminal parameters could not be evaluated due to non-specific aggregation of sperms in group administered with 106 and 108 cfu alone as well as with alcohol. Histopathological studies of testes showed very few mature spermatozoa and maturation arrest at later stage in all groups except PBS group. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal inoculation with sperm immobilizing E. coli with or without alcohol consumption could lead to alteration of semen parameters, induction of decapitation in spermatozoa, thereby decreasing the reproductive potential of male mice.