Infecciones bacterianas del tracto reproductivo masculino y su papel en la fertilidad

Abstract

Introduction: Spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell responsible for carrying the paternal genetic material toward the oocyte. During its journey in the female reproductive tract, the sperm cell interacts with substances, cells and also microorganisms that can be transported, thus triggering infectious processes that could alter reproductive success. Objective: Describe the species of bacteria involved in the alteration of sperm cells reproductive function and their effect on the sperm quality. In addition, evaluate the ability of the sperm cell to carry infections and disseminate them in the female reproductive tract. Results: Bacterial infections that affect the male reproductive tract are classified as sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and infections associated with bacterial microbiome. Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureoplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Escherichia coli and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus are the main etiologic agents of these infections. The presence of bacteria in semen and their effect of in semen parameters are still controversial. To probe that bacteria are present in semen depends on the quality of the sample, the sensitivity and specificity of the detection technique and the patient risk factors. Conclusion: Inflammatory and infectious processes in the male reproductive treatment affect fertility; therefore, further study of the role of thoseprocesses, establishment of more and better diagnostic methods and guidelines for self-care to decrease the spread of these pathogens will be necessary.