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Cited by 27Sperm and Testicular FunctionReproductive tract infections researchUrologic and reproductive health conditions

Effects of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection on semen quality and sperm morphology

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Xianchun, Fu, Jun, Fang, Zhijun, Dai, Mingyun, Hong·2023·Frontiers in Endocrinology
DOI 10.3389/fendo.2023.1113130PMC PMC10025488
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Abstract

Introduction: Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) infection is primarily associated with damage to male fertility through its effects on male sperm parameters. However, its effects on sperm semiological variables remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether U. urealyticum infection was associated with semen quality and sperm morphology. Methods: From 2019 to 2021, this cross-sectional study analyzed infective pathogens and semen variables in 1064 males (22–30 years old) recruited from our reproductive center and the general public. Routine semen parameters and normal sperm morphology rate were analyzed using methods outlined by the World Health Organization. The associations between semen quality, sperm morphology, and U. urealyticum infection were studied using general linear models. Results: The participants were categorized into three groups: (i) U. urealyticum infection (n=328), (ii) non-U. urealyticum infection (including males with urogenital tract infection symptoms but no U. urealyticum detected in their semen samples, n=377), and (iii) normal volunteers (males without symptoms of urogenital tract infection and no pathogens detected in semen samples, n=359). U. urealyticum in semen samples was observed to be associated with lower sperm concentrations (p<0.001) and a lower ratio of anterograde motile spermatozoa (p<0.001). Semen cultures positive for U. urealyticum were associated with lower normal sperm morphology (p<0.001) compared to semen cultures negative for U. urealyticum. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of proper investigations for U. urealyticum during routine clinical examinations and diagnoses of males with infertility.

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Xianchun, F., Jun, F., Zhijun, D., & Mingyun, H.
Affiliations
Anhui Medical University (CN)
Venue
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2023-03-06
Volume
14
Pages
1113130-1113130
ISSN
1664-2392 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fendo.2023.1113130
PMC
PMC10025488
OpenAlex
W4323316571
Cited by
27
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 3
FWCI
6.03
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Endocrinology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Hefei Center for Physical Science and Technology
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Microbiology › Reproductive tract infections research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Urologic and reproductive health conditions
Keywords
Ureaplasma urealyticum, male infertility, semen quality, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm concentration, urogenital infections, semen culture, male reproductive health
MeSH terms
Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Infertility, Male, Male, Semen, Spermatozoa, Ureaplasma Infections, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Semen Analysis, Young Adult

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