Induction of immunoresponse by subclinical male genital tract infection?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship of subclinical infection or inflammation of the male genital tract, as evaluated with seminal markers, with local antisperm antibodies as potential parameter of immunoresponse.

PATIENTS

One hundred ninety-one randomly chosen males of subfertile couples who were asymptomatic in terms of genital tract infection.

SETTING

Outpatient Infertility Clinic of the University of Heidelberg, Germany.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Determination of leukocytes rates in semen using an immunocytochemical method for differentiation of round cells and measurement of polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte elastase concentration in seminal plasma in addition to semen cultures as screening for subclinical infection of the male genital tract. Determination of local antisperm antibodies (Ab) with the mixed antiglobulin reaction ([MAR] immunoglobulin [Ig] G and IgA) in aliquots of the same ejaculates.

RESULTS

Leukocyte rates of the round cells ranged from 0% to 93%, leukocytospermia was found in 6.8%. This was not related significantly to the presence of local antisperm antibodies of the IgG or IgA class. There was also no significant association of antisperm Ab with the concentration of PMN granulocyte elastase in seminal plasma and the outcome of semen cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this prospective study suggest that when the rate or number of leukocytes or the concentration of PMN elastase in semen are taken as markers for subclinical infection or inflammation of the male genital tract, this is not associated significantly with the production of local antisperm Ab of the IgG or IgA class as indicator of immunoreaction.