Abnormal Spermiograms Research Articles

P-097 The Microbiota Difference in Normal and Abnormal Semen Samples Assessed by Real-time RCR

Abstract Study question Does microbiota differ in semen samples with normal and abnormal parameters? Summary answer The higher prevalence of obligate anaerobes and lactobacilli was more typical for semen samples with abnormal parameters compared to samples with normozoospermia. What is known already For a long time, semen in healthy men was considered to be sterile, and the detection of microorganisms was associated with pathologies. More recently, it has been shown that microbiota can be present in semen samples with normal semen parameters. Some researchers, usually using 16S RNA sequencing, cautiously suggested that certain microbial groups could be associated with norm and pathology. Study design, size, duration 825 semen samples from men who came to the “Garmonia” Medical Center (Yekaterinburg, Russia) seeking preconception care in 2019-2021, were included in the study. Depending on the spermiograms results, the samples were divided into two groups: Group 1 – normozoospermia (n = 350), Group 2 – samples with abnormal parameters (n = 475). Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen microbiota was analyzed by real-time PCR Androflor kit (DNA Technology, Russia). Detection rates of 18 bacteria/bacterial groups and 4 consolidated groups of microorganisms (obligate anaerobes (OA), gram-positive facultative anaerobes (GPFA), gram-negative facultative anaerobes GNFA), and mycoplasmas) were compared in Group 1 and Group 2. Two-tailed Fisher’s exact test was performed to check the significance of the differences. Main results and the role of chance Bacterial DNA was detected more often in the samples with abnormal spermiograms (Group 2) than in normozoospermia samples (Group 1): 79.6% and 73.4% respectively (p = 0.045). There was no difference in detection rates of GPFA, GNFA and mycoplasmas in both groups, whereas the detection rate of OA was significantly higher in Group 2 samples than in Group 1 (44.0% and 36.3%, respectively, p = 0.026). When analyzing the detection rate of different bacteria/bacterial groups we registered significant differences for 7 of them. For all the groups, the higher detection rate was associated with Group 2 (abnormal semen samples). In these samples, the detection rate of lactobacilli was 23.4% (compared to 13.7% in Group 1, p < 0.001), Megasphaera spp./Veillonella spp./Dialister spp. – 21.1 (12.0% in Group 1, p = 0.001), Bacteroides spp./Porphyromonas spp./Prevotella spp. – 26.7% (17.1% in Group 1, p = 0.001), Anaerococcus spp. – 15.2% (9.7% in Group 1, p = 0.021), Peptostreptococcus spp./Parvimonas spp. – 18.1% (12.3% in Group 1, p = 0.026), Eubacterium spp. – 24.8% (18.9% in Group 1, p = 0.043). Limitations, reasons for caution Androflor PCR kit uses the 103 genome-equivalent/ml threshold for most of the target microbial groups; samples with lower DNA level are considered as negative. Hence, it is possible that the results may be different when using another threshold. Wider implications of the findings Further research should determine the microbiota variants in semen samples with different abnormalities, such as asthenozoospermia, leukospermia, etc. These findings could expand our understanding of the contribution made by specific microorganisms to diseases, which potentially could lead to the development of new therapeutic options or improvement of the existing ones. Trial registration number Ethics Committee of Ural State Medical University (Protocol № 7 dated September 20, 2019)

Fertility in males after childhood, adolescent, and adult inguinal operations

Background/purposeInguinal hernia repair and orchidopexy are among the most common operations in boys. The impact on future fertility has not been conclusively defined. This study evaluates sperm quality after previous inguinal surgery. MethodsSpermiograms of men with a desire to conceive children were analyzed. History of previous inguinal surgery (hernia repair, orchidopexy, varicocele ligation) was correlated with sperm quality. Other influential factors (age, BMI, chronic medication, tobacco use) were also tested. ResultsA total of 333 patients were included. Overall, 12.6% of the subjects had undergone previous inguinal surgery. Of these, 17 (43%) were inguinal hernia repairs, 8 (20%) orchidopexies, and 6 (15%) varicocele ligations, while 9 (22%) could not give an exact history. Abnormal spermiograms were found in 60% (n = 24) of those with previous inguinal surgery versus 48% in controls (p = 0.16). On multivariate analysis, pathologic spermiogram parameters were associated with previous inguinal surgery, orchidopexy, use of chronic medication, and smoking, but NOT with inguinal hernia or varicocele repair alone. ConclusionsPrevious inguinal hernia or varicocele repair does not seem to impact negatively on quality of sperm later in life. Orchidopexy, smoking, and use of chronic medication, however, were all associated with pathologic sperm quality parameters. Type of studyProspective comparative study. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Case-based studies of infertility in bulls

The primary purpose of analysis of the spermiogram is to form an opinion on a bull's potential fertility. When spermiograms are abnormal, often a prognosis for recovery to normal sperm production is also a consideration. Semen quality can change quite rapidly for the better or worse depending on whether a bull is suffering from, or just recovering from, a process detrimental to spermatogenesis. Therefore, the spermiogram must be interpreted in light of the bull's history, the results of the physical examination, and in some cases the semen traits of volume and concentration. Some sperm defects appear to have a genetic basis and knowledge of recessive conditions, or genetic predispositions, will also help to decide on a course of action when abnormal spermiograms are encountered. Cases highlighted in this presentation demonstrate some examples of interpretation of abnormal spermiograms.

Increased levels of interleukin-8 in human seminal plasma.

The role of cell-mediated immunity in the aetiopathogenesis of male infertility is far from being defined. The cytochemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) has a key role in T-cell mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of IL-8 in human seminal plasma, to show differences between IL-8 concentrations in fertile and infertile subjects, and to show the potential relationship between IL-8 amounts in semen and spermiogram parameters. IL-8 levels were determined in the seminal plasma of 77 men divided as follows: (a) into seven groups according to the aetiological diagnosis of fertility and (b) into two groups on the basis of a normal or abnormal spermiogram. The mean value of IL-8 in the seminal plasma was 31.5 times higher than the upper limit in normal serum. There is a borderline statistical significant difference among the means of the various groups (P < 0.051). The Tukey's HSD test for multiple comparisons indicated no two groups as being significantly different, whereas the less conservative test LSD showed significant differences between the group with infection and groups with normal controls, Klinefelter's syndrome, mumps orchitis, cryptorchidism, or varicocele. There was no significant difference in IL-8 levels between men with normal and those with abnormal spermiograms. Furthermore, there was no correlation between IL-8 levels and the variables of the spermiogram. Even though the conclusions of this study have to be tempered by the sample size, IL-8 concentration in seminal plasma may be considered as a potential marker for the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection.

Human Sperm Penetration into Zona-Free Hamster Oocytes as a Test to Evaluate the Sperm Fertilizing Ability

Human sperm entry into zona-free hamster oocytes was used to test the fertile ability of spermatozoa from semen samples of men attending an Infertility Clinic. Sperm chromatin dispersion as seen under the phase-contrast microscope, was used as criterion for sperm entry. The ultrastructural study showed that the behaviour of the gamete membranes during fusion did not basically differ from that of normal fertilization. Eighty four samples were classed as normal (according to the spermiogram) but only 62 (74%) gave a positive test, as compared to only 30 (32%) positive test of 95 samples with abnormal spermiograms. Eight hundred and ten oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from normal samples gave a 25% penetration, while 1046 oocytes inseminated with spermatozoa from abnormal samples gave a 7% penetration. The normality of hamster oocytes was demonstrated by contemporary insemination with human and hamster spermatozoa. While the percentages of human sperm penetration remained low, hamster sperm penetration was over 70%. The present bioassay is recommended as an additional parameter to the spermiograms for the study of male fertility.

Progesterone receptor as an indicator of sperm function.

Expression of progesterone receptor (PR) localization on spermatozoa was determined in men with normal and abnormal spermiograms. Studies were also carried out to evaluate the potential of PR as a marker of sperm function. Progesterone receptor expression on spermatozoa from men with normozoospermia (n = 8), oligozoospermia (n = 7), asthenozoospermia (n = 8), oligoasthenozoospermia (n = 7), and teratozoospermia (n = 11) was analyzed using an immunocytochemical method with monoclonal antibodies against PR, and flow cytometry using a cell-impermeable fluorescein-tagged progesterone coupled to BSA complex (P-FITC-BSA). Both methods revealed significantly fewer (P < 0.05) PR-positive spermatozoa in men with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia compared with men with normozoospermia, thereby suggesting that down-regulation of PR expression in spermatozoa may be one of the causes of male infertility. Spermatozoa from men with normozoospermia (n = 12), oligozoospermia (n = 12), asthenozoospermia (n = 12), oligoasthenozoospermia (n = 9), and teratozoospermia (n = 10) were exposed to low osmotic conditions in the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test and then analyzed for PR expression using P-FITC-BSA complex. A significantly higher percentage (P < 0.05) of spermatozoa with physiologically active plasma membrane (HOS+) lacked PR expression (HOS+PR-) in all categories of men with infertility, thereby suggesting that compared to the HOS test, PR expression is a better indicator of sperm function. Furthermore, PR expression in spermatozoa showed a strong (P < 0.05) positive correlation with their ability to undergo an in vitro acrosome reaction. This was observed in all study groups (i.e., normozoospermia, r = 0.8545; oligozoospermia, r = 0.8711; asthenozoospermia, r = 0.7645; oligoasthenozoospermia, r = 0.9003; and teratozoospermia, r = 0.8676). This suggests a potential role for PR in the events leading to the acrosome reaction in sperm.

β-thalassemia and gonadal axis: a cross-sectional, clinical study in a Greek population

beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) is characterized by disturbances of the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was: 1) to assess the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis in patients with beta-thal in relation to their phenotype and 2) to determine prognostic features of current gonadal status. We studied 135 patients (67 males and 68 females) with beta-thal through history, physical examination, spermiograms and GnRH test. These patients were divided into beta-thal major (51 males and 62 females) and beta-thal intermedia phenotypes (16 males and 6 females). Male patients with beta-thal major were subdivided into three groups a) eugonadal (35%, Tanner's stage V, normal testicular volume, normal spermiograms, normal basal and stimulated hormone values), b) patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) of late onset (24%, Tanner's stage II-V, low-normal testicular volume, abnormal spermiograms, normal basal gonadotrophin values and abnormal response to GnRH test) and c) patients with HH of early onset (41%, Tanner's stage I, small testicular volume, abnormal spermiograms, abnormal basal and stimulated hormone values). Female patients with beta-thal major were subdivided into: a) eugonadal (32%, Tanner's stage V, regular menstruation, normal basal and stimulated hormone values), b) patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) of late onset (34%, Tanner's stage II-V, secondary amenorrhea, subnormal basal and stimulated gonadotrophin values) and c) patients with HH of early onset (34%, Tanner's stage I, primary amenorrhea, subnormal basal and stimulated hormone values). Patients with beta-thal intermedia were subdivided into eugonadal (75% of males, 33% of females) and hypogonadal (25% of males, 67% of females). Current gonadal status could not be predicted by means of transfusion or chelation parameters. In conclusion, beta-thal patients could be eugonadal or develop early or late onset HH. trade mark-thal intermedia patients have a more favorable profile than beta-thal major individuals. Current gonadal status of beta-thal patients cannot be predicted by means of history, clinical or laboratory parameters.

Abnormal expression of acid glycosidases in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from infertile men with varicocele.

The activities of acid beta-glucuronidase, alpha-mannosidase, alpha-glucosidase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were analysed in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from 26 infertile men with varicocele and from 36 men of normal fertility. Semen samples from ten men with non-obstructive azoospermia were used as control specimens that contained the other components of semen. Spermatozoa were solubilized by both physical (homogenization) and chemical (Triton-X100) methods to obtain the soluble and non-soluble fractions. The activities of several glycosidases measured both in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were directly correlated with the numbers of spermatozoa and sperm motility, confirming previous studies. As some infertile patients with varicocele have normal semen parameters, whereas others have low numbers of spermatozoa and low sperm motility, the varicocele patients were prospectively divided into two groups: one (n = 15) with normal spermiograms and the other (n = 11) with abnormal spermiograms. The activities (expressed in mU ml(-1)) of alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in seminal plasma of normozoospermic infertile patients with varicocele were significantly higher than those of fertile controls, but not when expressed in U per 10(8) spermatozoa. The activities of beta-glucuronidase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in seminal plasma when expressed in U per 10(8) spermatozoa in varicocele patients with abnormal spermiograms were significantly higher than in those of men of normal fertility. The activity of alpha-mannosidase in the soluble fraction of sperm homogenates, expressed as U per 10(8) spermatozoa, was significantly higher in infertile patients with varicocele and abnormal spermiograms than in controls. In the non-soluble fraction of spermatozoa from infertile patients with varicocele, there was an increase in the expression of beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities compared with the fraction of spermatozoa from fertile subjects. In summary, infertile patients with varicocele displayed an overexpression of acid alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities in seminal plasma and spermatozoa that may be associated with functional defects in spermatozoa as these glycosidases play an important role in mammalian fertilization.

Abnormal expression of acid glycosidases in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from infertile men with varicocele

The activities of acid beta-glucuronidase, alpha-mannosidase, alpha-glucosidase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were analysed in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from 26 infertile men with varicocele and from 36 men of normal fertility. Semen samples from ten men with non-obstructive azoospermia were used as control specimens that contained the other components of semen. Spermatozoa were solubilized by both physical (homogenization) and chemical (Triton-X100) methods to obtain the soluble and non-soluble fractions. The activities of several glycosidases measured both in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were directly correlated with the numbers of spermatozoa and sperm motility, confirming previous studies. As some infertile patients with varicocele have normal semen parameters, whereas others have low numbers of spermatozoa and low sperm motility, the varicocele patients were prospectively divided into two groups: one (n = 15) with normal spermiograms and the other (n = 11) with abnormal spermiograms. The activities (expressed in mU ml(-1)) of alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in seminal plasma of normozoospermic infertile patients with varicocele were significantly higher than those of fertile controls, but not when expressed in U per 10(8) spermatozoa. The activities of beta-glucuronidase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in seminal plasma when expressed in U per 10(8) spermatozoa in varicocele patients with abnormal spermiograms were significantly higher than in those of men of normal fertility. The activity of alpha-mannosidase in the soluble fraction of sperm homogenates, expressed as U per 10(8) spermatozoa, was significantly higher in infertile patients with varicocele and abnormal spermiograms than in controls. In the non-soluble fraction of spermatozoa from infertile patients with varicocele, there was an increase in the expression of beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities compared with the fraction of spermatozoa from fertile subjects. In summary, infertile patients with varicocele displayed an overexpression of acid alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activities in seminal plasma and spermatozoa that may be associated with functional defects in spermatozoa as these glycosidases play an important role in mammalian fertilization.

The importance of both an early orchidopexy and germ cell maturation for fertility

Delayed orchidopexy for undescended testes has been associated with abnormal testicular histology, but the effect on later fertility is unknown. We aimed to establish the importance of the first postnatal maturational step-ie, the transformation of gonocytes into Ad (dark) spermatogonia on fertility. We matched histological findings of the testes from 31 patients who had undergone an early orchidopexy with their total number of sperm. If Ad spermatogonia were present, 17 (94%) of 18 (95% CI 72.7-99.9) of the men had a total sperm count of 40 x 10(6)/ejaculate or greater. By contrast, despite successful early surgery, if Ad spermatogonia were absent, 12 (92%) of 13, (64.0-99.8) patients had abnormal spermiograms. Thus, the transformation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia is crucial for male fertility.

Zur Fertilitätsprognose von Patienten mit testikulären und nichttestikulären Tumoren

The prognosis of young oncological patients has been improved by modern therapeutic options, making issues such as family planning and having children more realistic. In accordance with the literature, 50% of our patients with testicular (group 1) and non-testicular (group 2) tumours show abnormal spermiograms prior to oncological therapy. A main side effect of oncotherapy of testicular tumours is a neurogenic disturbance of the transport of spermatozoa after RLA (>30%). Chemotherapy is usually applied in various combinations, partially with radiation, and leads to severe disturbances of the spermatogenesis within 1-2 years (53,3% in group 1 and 100% in group 2). However, there is still a possible spermatogenesis recovery chance after 2 years, as indicated by spermatological evidence and normal FSH levels. This does not apply to patients of group 2 for whom recovery is rather an exception. Studies encompassing a larger number of patients are needed. Inhibin B and FSH show a statistically significant correlation. The role of Inhibin B as a prognostic factor of spermatogenesis is still discussed. Extent and reversibility of a disturbed fertility after oncological therapy are not predictable. Thus we strongly recommend a pre-therapeutic sperm cryopreservation.

ENHANCEMENT OF SOLUBLE CD23 LEVELS IN THE SEMINAL PLASMA OF INFERTILE MEN WITH IDIOPATHIC TESTICULAR LESION

Since increased levels of soluble CD23 (sCD23) were demonstrated in patients with autoimmune diseases, seminal plasma sCD23 levels were examined in 110 men divided into seven groups according to etiological diagnosis of infertility and two groups on the basis of normal or abnormal spermiogram. sCD23 was absent in the seminal plasma of normal men: According to the ANOVA results, all measurements were significantly different between the groups of patients examined (p<.01). Specifically, patients with idiopathic testicular lesion have a significantly higher mean value of sCD23 than all other patients. A statistically significant difference was noted in the sCD23 levels between men with normal and those with abnormal spermiograms, although with wide overlapping of the individual values. Men with idiopathic testicular lesion may be immunologically more active than other groups with subfertility.

Interleukin-6 in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

Cytokines released by various cell subsets in the male urogenital tract are capable of markedly influencing sperm function and fertility. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined by "sandwich" enzyme immunoassay in the seminal plasma of 77 men divided as follow: (1) into 7 groups according to the etiological diagnosis of fertility, and (2) into 2 groups on the basis of normal or abnormal spermiogram. There was a statistically significant association between IL-6 and the patients' status (P < 0.0014). These results are due to statistically significant differences between the groups with infection of the accessory genital glands and normal controls, as well as between the groups with infection of the accessory genital glands and that with varicocele, indicated by the Honestly Significant Differences (HSD) test for multiple comparisons. There was no significant difference of IL-6 levels between men with normal and those with abnormal spermiograms. Furthermore, there was no correlation between IL-6 levels and the variables of the spermiogram. The prostate seems to be the main site of origin of IL-6 in the seminal plasma. Our data suggest that urogenital infections may lead to elevated levels of IL-6 in the seminal plasma. This measurement of IL-6 in semen may provide clinically useful information for the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection.

Analyses of meiotic chromosomes in testicular biopsies of infertile patients.

Between 1989 and 1992 meiotic chromosome studies and synaptonemal complex analyses were evaluated using light and, in part, electron microscopy in 46 infertile males with highly abnormal spermiograms. This examination focused on whether the breakdown of spermatogenesis could be attributed to pairing anomalies of bivalents. The study of meiotic chromosomes and synaptonemal complexes indicated normal spermatogenesis in five patients (11%); in the remainder, maturation arrest was diagnosed. In 21 individuals (50%) the breakdown was accompanied by pairing anomalies (asynapsis, fragmented synaptonemal complexes, X/Y univalence). Thus it is shown that male infertility can often partly be explained by meiotic disorders.

Differences in bull spermiograms using eosin-nigrosin stain, feulgen stain, and phase contrast microscopy methods

The Society for Theriogenology recently adopted a minimum standard of 70% normal spermatozoa for the bull breeding soundness examination (BSE). We conducted this study to determine if spermiograms derived by brightfield microscopy of eosin-nigrosin stained semen smears (Society method) overestimated the proportion of normal spermatozoa. Comparison of the above method was made with that of phase contrast microscopy (Phase method). We then evaluated our ability to discern head abnormalities by comparing brightfield microscopy of Feulgen-stained sperm DNA (Feulgen method) with those of the Society and Phase methods. Spermiograms were determined for each of the 181 beef bulls using all 3 methods. Only bulls that were being routinely tested prior to the 1993 breeding season were included. The mean percentage of normal spermatozoa surpassed the minimum standard with the Society (72.8%) but not the Phase (52.5%) method, which identified more distal cytoplasmic droplets that adhered to cells without distal midpiece reflexes. The Phase method also identified more total primary and fewer primary head abnormalities. We conclude that the Phase method is not a suitable substitute for the Society method when applying the minimum standard during a routine BSE. The Feulgen method identified more head abnormalities, especially in the pattern of DNA, than the other methods, however, when compared to the minimum standard that improvement was not clinically important. Both the Phase and Feulgen methods are better than the Society method for monitoring changes in abnormal spermiograms over time.

Incidence of Antisperm Antibodies in Patients with Carcinoma of the Testis and in Subfertile Men with Normogonadotropic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

The incidence and the clinical relevance of sperm-reactive antibodies in subfertile men and in testicular cancer patients were assessed in a pilot study. The sera of 42 men with normogonadotropic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT syndrome, n = 20) or carcinoma of the testis after inguinal semicastration (n = 22) were analyzed for agglutinating antisperm antibodies using fluorescein-labeled antiglobulin. In the group with the OAT syndrome, the incidence of sperm-reactive antibodies was only 5%, which is comparable to that in normal fertile men. Although the incidence of 18% in the testicular cancer patients was markedly higher, only 2 of the patients in question had abnormal spermiograms, which in one case could, moreover, be explained by previous radiation therapy. In summary in this small group of patients, serum monitoring for sperm-reactive antibodies appeared to be of limited clinical relevance in patients with the OAT syndrome and in testicular cancer patients.

Clinical data which influence semen parameters in infertile men.

Spermiograms, Sims-Huhner postcoital tests, in-vitro sperm penetration tests and hormone stimulation tests, including gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone and the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test, were obtained in 225 infertile men. The present paper deals with the influence which anamnestic factors have on the spermiogram and on hormone levels. Adrenocortical function decreased with age. Blue-collar workers had poorer sperm parameters than white-collar workers. Smokers exhibited hormone alterations without significant changes in the spermiogram. Regular alcohol consumption was associated with elevated dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate and oestradiol concentrations and poor postcoital test results. Emotional stress had a negative influence on sperm parameters. Environmental influences warrant additional attention in the evaluation of men with abnormal spermiograms.

Asthenozoospermia/Teratozoospermia and Infertility

Abnormal spermiograms with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia are often classified as subfertile, and the cause of these findings has been obscure. A new method, the 8-h in vitro motility profile test (MPT), showed a significant difference in motility profile between 130 fertile men and men of infertile couples. In the infertile group, an infertility factor (IF) was found. The method was applied to 133 cases, group A, with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Microbial cultures of semen were also done. Controls, group B, which were 52 males with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia, were also investigated with MPT and microbial cultures. All 133 cases of group A had abnormal MPT indicating infertility factor. One hundred and twenty-six cases had positive microbial findings (95%). Long-term treatment with antibiotics of the 126 normalized motility and morphology and eradicated microbes. The MPT was, however, only normalized in 5 cases with two men becoming fathers. The infertility factor, according to the MPT, remained in 128 cases. Though treatment of bacteriospermia has an apparent normalization of parameters as motility, morphology, and cultures, an underlying infertility factor remains in cases of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia.

Ca 19-9 in seminal plasma of infertile men.

Ca 19-9 levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in the seminal plasma of 108 men divided in (a) eight groups according to etiological diagnosis of infertility and (b) two groups on the basis of normal or abnormal spermiogram. The mean Ca 19-9 (or Ca 19-9-like activity) in the seminal plasma was 114.6 times higher than the upper limit in normal serum. A statistically significant difference was noted in the antigen levels between men with normal and those with abnormal spermiograms, although with wide overlapping of the individual values. There was no correlation between Ca 19-9 levels and the variables of the spermiogram. The prostate seems to be the main site of origin of Ca 19-9 or Ca 19-9-like activity in the seminal plasma.

Characterization of infertility and bovine leukemia virus infection in beef bulls on southwestern Louisiana coastal range

One hundred and twenty-six beef bulls on southwestern Louisiana coastal range were evaluated for breeding soundness. Samples were taken to determine the incidence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection, and the prepuce was cultured for potential pathogens. A high incidence (47.6%) of questionable and unsatisfactory potential breeders resulted mainly from 37.0% of the bulls exhibiting high numbers of abnormal sperm cells in the semen. Only bulls in the 4-to 5-yr age group exhibited the expected incidence of normal spermiograms. Genital campylobacteriosis was not diagnosed but there was genital trichomoniasis in three of the seven herds. Hemophilus somnus , mycoplasma and ureaplasma were isolated from the prepuce of 13.3, 48.8 and 36.7% of the bulls, respectively. Isolation of these organisms from the prepuce did not appear to be associated with abnormal spermiograms. Of the bulls studied, 34.4% had positive AGID reactions for BLV. Bulls seropositive to BLV had an increased incidence of leukocyte counts that were above the normal range. There was no apparent relationship between BLV infection and abnormal spermiograms.