Colonization of Gardnerella vaginalis in Semen of Infertile Men: Prevalence, Influence on Sperm Characteristics, Relationship with Leukocyte Concentration and Clinical Significance

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in semen from infertile men and their negative effects on semen quality. Results: Cultures were positive in 24/108 infertile men (22.2%) and negative in controls. Infected semen showed no significant difference compared with non-infected semen. On the other hand, infected and non-infected semen presented significant differences in vitality, rapid and total progressive motility, normal head and mid-piece defects (p < 0.01) and combined anomalies (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively) in comparison with the control group. Infected semen also presented significant differences in severely amorphous (p = 0.02) and tapered sperm (p < 0.01). Bacteriospermia and cells with attached bacteria (clue cells morphotype) were remarkable features observed. Conclusion: G. vaginalis in semen is not associated with either abnormal sperm characteristics or inflammatory response in infected men. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel