Ureaplasma urealyticum in Semen of men with Varicocele

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum in varicocele patients and healthy men was investigated. Methods: Semen samples were obtained from varicocele patients and healthy control and were subjected to routine semen analysis and PCR. DNA was extracted by the Cadieux method, and analyzed by PCR protocol with species-specific primers for U. urealyticum (urease gene). Results: Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected significantly by PCR in 17 of 81 (20.98%) semen specimens from varicocele patients and in 3 of 100 (3%) healthy men. The percentage of sperm cells with motility, volume of semen fluid, concentration of sperm cells, and sperm cells with normal morphology were significantly decreased in varicocele men. In the group of varicocele patients with PCR positive for U. urealyticum, the volume, count, and morphology of semen samples were lower than in the varicocele patients with PCR-negative results, but the differences were not significant. Conclusion: The results indicate that U. urealyticum infection may be an additional negative factor influencing varicocele status and worsening reproductive potential.