Is seminal prostatic acid phosphatase a reliable marker for male infertility?

This project was undertaken to determine whether there is any correlation between sperm counts and motility and the level of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP). Fifty-six patients were studied in this series-those with normospermia (Group A,n = 19); mild oligospermia (Group B,n = 18) and very severe oligospermia (Group C,n = 19). Each group was further subdivided into 2 groups-those who were 25-35 years old and those 36 years old and above. The results in this age group are discussed and it was found that individuals with very severe oligospermia (sperm counts 1-20x10(5)/mL) showed a positive correlation (p = 0.009) in the age group 36 years and above. The results have to be treated with caution since a statistically significant result was only displayed in one group, ie, individuals over the age of 35 years and very low sperm counts.