The effects of gardnerella vaginalis on semen quality and quantity parameters for male

Objectives To explore the effects of Gardnerella vaginalis(Gv) infection on male semen quality and determine the possible reasons of male infertility. Methods 217 semen samples were collected and detected by nested PCR to confirm the G. vaginalis.The sperm analysis and the mixed agglutination reaction(MAR) were also tested. The relationships between the Gv infection and all kinds of the sperm parameters were analyzed. Results 17 cases were positive in PCR analysis(7.8%). No significant differences in sperm volume and sperm viscocity were observed between the Gv positive group and the Gv negative group (P>0.05). However, there was significant differences between the Gv positive group and the Gv negative group in the sperm concentration, pH value, motility, PR rate, morphology, the count of leukocytes and MAR (P<0.01). Conclusions G. vaginalis has an effect on sperm quality, which may be the possible reason of male infertility. The further study is needed to elucidate the problem. Key words: Semen; Bacterial Infections