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.

SETTINGS

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.