Antichlamydia Antibodies and Sperm Quality among Male Partners of Infertile Couples in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on semen quality has been studied with varied results.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of  antichlamydial antibodies and their relationship with sperm quality among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of infertile male partners of couples attending infertility clinics at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital  (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Their sera were assayed for antichlamydial antibodies, and semen analysis and culture were done for each  participant.

Results: Two hundred and eighty-two (282) male partners of infertile couples were studied. Infertility was commoner among participants  aged 40 years or more (45.1%) and was mainly of the “primary type” (62.1%). Antichlamydia antibody was detected in 156 (55.3%) participants and was  significantly associated with sperm quality (P = 002; OR = 2.294; 95% CI = 1.36–3.88). Overall, 81 (28.7%) had abnormal sperm quality. The sperm count,  progressive motility, and vitality were significantly lower in participants with abnormal sperm quality than those with normal sperm quality (P < 0.001)  while morphology, volume, and liquefaction time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated  from culture (122/282, 43.3%) while Streptococcus species were the least (4/262, 1.4%). There was significantly more Staphylococcus aureus isolated from  the semen of participants that were seropositive to antichlamydial antibodies than those that were seronegative (80/156, 51.3% vs. 42/126, 33.3%; OR =  2.105; 95% CI = 1.30–3.42; P = 0.003).

Conclusion: The prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, Nigeria  is high and there is a significant association with sperm quality, sperm count, and bacterial isolates in seminal culture. Male partners of infertile couples  in Enugu should be screened for antichlamydial antibodies and appropriate treatment offered wherever indicated. There is a need for increased public  awareness and advocacy campaigns on the impact of Chlamydia infection on male factor infertility. This primary preventive measure may help in  reducing the burden of Chlamydia infection and male factor infertility.