Detection of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus in the semen of men attending an infertility clinic

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the semen of men with fertility problems. Design: A descriptive clinical study. Setting: Outpatient infertility clinic of a private hospital. Patient(s): One hundred thirteen men attending an infertility clinic in Athens. Intervention(s): Semen samples were collected by masturbation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Detection of HSV, CMV, and EBV in semen by a nested polymerase chain reaction technique. Complete spermogram including sperm count, motility, pH, viscosity, and morphology. Result(s): Viral DNA was detected by the nested polymerase chain reaction technique in 64 (56.6%) of 113 semen samples. Specifically, HSV DNA was detected in 56 (49.5%) semen samples, EBV DNA in 19 (16.8%) semen samples, and CMV DNA in 8 (7.1%) semen samples. HSV was significantly related to low sperm count and poor motility. In contrast, CMV and EBV did not show any association with sperm concentration and motility. Conclusion(s): Herpes simplex virus seems to play a significant role in male infertility, and its early detection by the nested polymerase chain reaction technique will permit successful antiviral therapy to increase the possibility for fertility restoration and long-term protection of the sperm quality. Finally, the detection of herpes viruses within semen will allow better control of the transmission of these viruses.