Survey on the Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections and Their Possible Effects on Seminal Quality in Infertile Men

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a subject of great concern in public health, particularly in the field of reproductive medicine. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the presence of two sexually-transmitted bacteria, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, in the semen samples of infertile men referred to a medical diagnostic laboratory in Rafsanjan city by PCR and also to investigate their possible effects on semen parameters. Methods: Semen samples of 309 infertile men who were asymptomatic for genital tract infections were evaluated using the PCR method. In addition, the analysis of semen parameters was performed according to the WHO guidelines. Results: The average age of the participants was 32.67 ± 17.02 years and 11.65% of cases were positive at least for one of the two tested bacteria; 11.32% for C. trachomatis and only 0.32% for N. gonorrhoeae. Furthermore, there was a direct significant correlation between chlamydia infection and at least two variables of sperm quality; activity, and live ratio (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that C. trachomatis are widespread among males, and this infection may lead to an effect on semen parameters such as activity and live ratio.