Molecular Detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Enterococcus faecalis in the Seminal Fluid and their Relationship with Semen Quality in Healthy and Infertile Men in Shiraz, Iran (2021-2022).

Introduction: The present study aimed to carry out the molecular identification of some bacteria in seminal fluid and investigation of their effects on semen quality.

Methods: The research cohort comprised 80 infertile individuals and 80 men with no fertility issues. Evaluation of sperm characteristics adhered to the protocols outlined by the World Health Organization. Detection and verification of pathogens were carried out by PCR.

Results and discussion: The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group exhibited a noticeable increase compared to the control group (p<0.05). The most abundant species in the semen of infertile men was Ureaplasma urealyticum (7.5%, p<0.05), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (6.25%, p>0.05). However, Streptococcus agalactiae was not found in any of the abnormal samples. In addition, we showed that Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly affected the motility and morphology parameters. But, the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae in semen samples of men does not lead to abnormal sperm production. Besides, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of volume, but there was a significant difference in morphology, count, and total motility (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Bacteriospermia is linked to modifications in the characteristics of seminal fluid, potentially resulting in a reduction in the fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. Furthermore, Ureaplasma urealyticum is correlated with changes in semen properties that could contribute to a decrease in sperm fertilization potential.