The relationship between sexually transmitted microorganisms and seminal quality in asymptomatic men.

OBJECTIVE

To detect DNA of different microorganisms, in semen samples from apparently healthy men and correlate their presence with seminal quality.

METHODS

Semen samples from 81 healthy volunteers were collected, and semen parameters were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform technique, and the microorganisms were detected by the amplification of specific primers using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

DNA from at least one of the microorganisms was detected in 78 samples. The most frequent microorganism found in semen were: spp. (70%), () (36%), (64%), (56%), (32%), () (28%), (27%). The seminal parameters of all semen samples were over the lower reference values for normal semen analysis. To compare with negative samples, seminal volume was higher for the positive samples and lower for positive samples. Semen samples positive for had worse sperm morphology. The frequency of progressive motility was higher in positive samples for and . Positive semen samples for had a higher concentration per milliliter.

CONCLUSION

It is common to find microorganisms in semen of asymptomatic men, including those responsible for sexually transmitted infections. Antimicrobial treatment is recommended only in those individuals with a sexually transmitted infection ( and ) and always promote condom use.