Tests for sperm antibodies

Abstract

Numerous methodologies have been employed for the detection of antisperm-antibodies (ASA). Contradictory reports regarding the clinical significance and interpretation of the results of these methodologies exist. The conflicting data reported by various investigators may be a result of many different factors. In addition to actual differences in ASA testing modalities, specimen preparation and test interpretation vary from lab to lab. Furthermore, sperm specimens are dynamic, undergoing maturational changes including capacitation and the acrosome reaction. This results in changing ASA epitopes as the outer acrosomal membrane and its associated proteins are lost and the antigens present on the inner acrosomal membrane are exposed. A large number of peer-reviewed publications originating from various reference laboratories confirm the clinical significance of the mixed antiglobulin reaction and immunobead tests in seminal fluid of males with unexplained infertility. Testing of seminal plasma or serum was found to be less relevant for fertility assessments. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.