This study aims to compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with semen quality in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility. Semen samples were collected from 133 men who requested fertility evaluation. Seminal tract infection with Ureaplasma spp. (UU), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) was assessed by PCR-based diagnostic assays. Among all patients, the prevalence of STIs was higher in men from couples with primary infertility than that in men from couples with secondary infertility (39.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.03). The prevalence of UU was 28.8% and 13.3% in men from couples with primary and secondary infertility, respectively. Men from couples with primary infertility were more likely to be positive for UU than men from couples with secondary infertility (P = 0.04). Regarding the UU subtype, the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uuu) and Ureaplasma parvum (Uup; including Uup1, Uup3, Uup6, and Uup14) did not differ between the two groups. No associations between the prevalence rates of MH, MG, and CT were found in men from either infertility group. A lower sperm concentration was associated with STI pathogen positivity in men with primary infertility according to the crude model (P = 0.04). The crude and adjusted models showed that semen volume (both P = 0.03) and semen leukocyte count (both P = 0.02) were independently associated with secondary infertility. These findings suggest the importance of classifying the type of infertility during routine diagnosis of seminal tract infections.
Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Male/epidemiology* ; Male ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Mycoplasma hominis ; Prevalence ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

Objective: To analyze the relationship of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection with routine semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in male infertility patients. METHODS: Totally, 114 semen samples, 34 MG-positive and 80 MG-negative, were collected from male infertility patients and subjected to routine semen analysis with the computer-assisted sperm analysis system, Papanicolaou staining for observation of sperm morphology, and sperm chromatin diffusion (SCD) test for detection of sperm DNA integrity. Semen parameters and DNA integrity were compared between the MG-positive and MG-negative groups with SPSS 21.0 statistical software and the relationship between the semen parameters and DNA integrity analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The MG-positive samples, compared with the MG-negative ones, showed significantly decreased semen volume (［2.87 ± 0.37］ vs ［3.86 ± 0.43］ ml, P < 0.01), sperm concentration (［29.05 ± 6.17］ vs ［32.56 ± 5.97］ ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.01), and percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (［15.86 ± 2.79］% vs ［23.65 ± 3.47］%, P < 0.01) and morphologically normal sperm (MNS) (［6.35 ± 2.06］% vs ［7.14 ± 1.89］%, P < 0.05), increased proportions of non-halo sperm (［15.02 ± 3.52］% vs ［9.72 ± 2.94］%, P <0.01) and small-halo sperm (［16.37 ± 5.26］% vs ［11.07 ± 1.65］%, P < 0.01) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (［31.39 ± 3.16］% vs ［20.79 ± 3.59］%, P < 0.01), and reduced proportion of large-halo sperm (［54.75 ± 8.74］% vs ［64.15 ± 9.76］%, P < 0.01). DFI was negatively correlated with the percentages of PMS (r = －0.516, P < 0.05) and MNS (r = －0.429, P < 0.05) in the MG-positive group, but not correlated with any of the routine semen parameters in the MG-negative patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MG infection may be an important factor affecting sperm quality in male infertility patients. Active prevention and treatment of MG infection can help prevent male infertility.
DNA Fragmentation ; Humans ; Infertility, Male/microbiology* ; Male ; Mycoplasma Infections/complications* ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes that infect the genital tract play a main etiologic role in cervical cancer progression. Other environmental factors, such as sexually transmitted diseases and the host genetic pattern, contribute to infection persistence of the uterus and cervical epithelium in sustaining their malignancy. The Janus kinase 2 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase in cell signaling process of tumor genesis. In the present study, JAK2 V167F mutation was distinguished in women with sexually transmitted infections, such as Herpes simplex virus 2, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium and cervical cancer. METHODS: This case-control survey was performed on 195 liquid based cytology of women specimens. Fifty, 98, and 47 samples were from women with known cervical cancer, HPV positive and HPV negative, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, sexually transmitted infections detection and HPV genotyping were carried out using approved PCR- RFLP, in-house multiplex TaqMan Real Time PCR and the reverse dot blot hybridization assay. RESULTS: HPVs 6, 16, 18, 11, 31, and 51 were the most common genotypes. The prevalence rate of multiple HPV genotypes was 46.0% to 10.1%. Analysis of JAK2 V617F (1849 G > T) showed that prevalence of mutation was GG (65.1%), GA (34.9%), and TT (0%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between this mutation and variables of population survey (P ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The molecular epidemiology study on the genetic polymorphisms, i.e., JAK2 V617F and other single nucleotide polymorphisms as a diagnostic tool is necessary for cancer screening and prophylactic programs.
Case-Control Studies ; Chlamydia trachomatis ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Epithelium ; Female ; Genotype ; Herpesvirus 2, Human ; Humans ; Iran ; Janus Kinase 2 ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Prevalence ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Uterus

OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is widely incorporated into cervical cancer screening strategies. Current screening requires pelvic examination for cervical sampling, which may compromise participation. The acceptance could be raised by introducing testing on vaginal swabs. We explored the interchangeability of vaginal swabs and cervical smears for HPV testing, by means of a prospective study conducted in female sex workers (FSWs). Besides, we report on the occurrence of 32 different HPV genotypes in FSW with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). METHODS: Paired physician-collected vaginal swabs and cervical smears from 303 FSW were tested for HPV using the Abbott RealTime High-Risk HPV assay. Cervical cytology was examined on cervical smears. In case of HSIL/LSIL cytological classification (n=52), both samples were genotyped using INNO-LiPa HPV Genotyping Extra II. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of high-risk (HR)-HPV was 51%. In FSW with HSIL/LSIL cervical cytology, the sensitivity and specificity of vaginal samples for the detection of HR-HPV was 100% and 70% and for probable HR-HPV 100% and 91%. The mean number of genotypes identified in vaginal samples (mean=3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.8–4.2) was significantly higher than in cervical smear samples (mean=2.6; 95% CI=2.1–3.0) (p=0.001). The most frequently encountered HR-HPV genotypes were HPV16, 31, 51, and 52. CONCLUSION: As our study shows that vaginal swabs are equivalent to cervical smears for the detection of (probable) HR-HPV, vaginal swabs can be used for HPV testing in cervical cancer screening strategies. Given the acceptance of vaginal sampling, this finding offers an opportunity to boost screening coverage.
Chlamydia trachomatis ; Classification ; DNA ; Female ; Genotype ; Gynecological Examination ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; Papillomaviridae ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sex Workers ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix ; Trichomonas vaginalis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Vaginal Smears

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) was first isolated by Tully from the urinary tract of the male patient with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in 1981. MG is extremely difficult to be cultured and was rarely studied until the development and application of molecular biology technology. The research on MG in China is still in the primary stage. However, relevant studies abroad have found that it is an important pathogen causing human genitourinary tract infection and spreading worldwide. Male MG infection is reportedly related to NGU, prostatitis, epididymitis, balanoposthitis, male HIV infection, and male infertility. This review outlines the advances in the studies of MG in male urogenital diseases.
Balanitis ; microbiology ; China ; Epididymitis ; microbiology ; HIV Infections ; microbiology ; Humans ; Male ; Male Urogenital Diseases ; microbiology ; Mycoplasma Infections ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Urethritis ; microbiology

ObjectiveTo explore Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infection in the urogenital tract of infertile men and its influence on semen quality.

METHODSSemen samples were collected from 352 infertile males in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of Nanjing General Hospital from March to July 2015. MG infection was detected by real-time fluorescence simultaneous amplification and testing and semen analyses were conducted according to the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th Ed) on the semen pH value, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) and immotile sperm (IMS), and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by t-test and non-parametric test (Wilcoxon test).

RESULTSMG infection was found in 3.4% (12/352) of the infertile patients. Compared with the MG-positive cases, the MG-negative ones showed a significantly higher semen volume (［2.85 ± 0.14］ vs ［3.84 ± 0.12］ ml, P = 0.008) and percentage of PMS (［15.86±1.72］ vs ［60.95 ± 5.63］ %, P = 0.032) but a lower DFI (［30.73 ±2.24］ vs ［20.71 ± 1.55］%, P = 0.014). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the semen pH value (7.38 ±0.02 vs 7.39 ± 0.01, P = 0.774), sperm concentration (［52.96 ± 15.78］ vs ［60.05 ± 4.29］×10⁶/ml, P = 0.683), sperm count (［154.15 ± 46.37］ vs ［221.56 ± 15.43］×106, P = 0.236), total sperm motility (［29.04 ± 3.11］ vs ［33.52 ± 1.51］ %, P = 0.626), or percentage of IMS (［23.57 ± 0.99］ vs ［62.34 ± 1.69］ %, P = 0.691).

CONCLUSIONSUrogenital MG infection is common in infertile males and potentially affects the semen quality, especially sperm vitality of the patient.

DNA Fragmentation ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; microbiology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Male Urogenital Diseases ; microbiology ; Mycoplasma Infections ; complications ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; physiology

There is limited research on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents in Korea. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of and risk factors for STIs among Korean adolescents under probation. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in one juvenile-delinquent center and five probation offices in Korea to determine the prevalence of STIs caused by the following pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum. Of the 237 (208 male and 29 female) participating adolescents, 152 (64.1%) had a history of coitus. Overall, 133 (56.1%) subjects tested positive for at least one microorganism in their genitourinary tract. The most prevalent pathogen was U. urealyticum (24.7%, n = 65), followed by U. parvum (24.1%, n = 57), M. hominis (17.3%, n = 41), C. trachomatis (13.9%, n = 33), N. gonorrhoeae (1.7%, n = 4), T. vaginalis (0.8%, n = 2), and HSV (0.8%, n = 2). The prevalence of syphilis was 0.8% (n = 2). There were no reported cases of HIV infection. Fifty-four participants (35.5%) were positive with more than two pathogens. We did not find any significant difference between STIs and socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors or sexual practices. In conclusion, the prevalence of STIs among adolescents under probation was high. Systematic screening programs, more practical sexual education, and adequate provision of treatment are essential for the prevention and management of STIs among adolescents, especially those under probation.
Adolescent* ; Chlamydia trachomatis ; Coitus ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Education ; HIV ; HIV Infections ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Mycoplasma hominis ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases* ; Simplexvirus ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Syphilis ; Treponema pallidum ; Trichomonas vaginalis ; Ureaplasma ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of infections with human papillomavirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma genitalium in the semen of Korean infertile couples and their associations with sperm quality. METHODS: Semen specimens were collected from 400 men who underwent a fertility evaluation. Infection with above five pathogens was assessed in each specimen. Sperm quality was compared in the pathogen-infected group and the non-infected group. RESULTS: The infection rates of human papillomavirus, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, M. hominis, and M. genitalium in the study subjects were 1.57%, 0.79%, 16.80%, 4.46%, and 1.31%, respectively. The rate of morphological normality in the U. urealyticum-infected group was significantly lower than in those not infected with U. urealyticum. In a subgroup analysis of normozoospermic samples, the semen volume and the total sperm count in the pathogen-infected group were significantly lower than in the non-infected group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that infection with U. urealyticum alone and any of the five sexually transmitted infections are likely to affect sperm morphology and semen volume, respectively.
Chlamydia trachomatis ; Family Characteristics ; Fertility ; Humans ; Male ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Mycoplasma hominis ; Prevalence ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

BACKGROUND: The multiplex real-time PCR assay is a sensitive test for simultaneous detection of various pathogens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We evaluated the performance of two multiplex real-time PCR assays for six STI pathogens. METHODS: DNA samples after being used to conduct PCR for STI pathogens were stored below −70℃. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) were detected by multiplex real-time PCR with GeneFinder STD I (CT/NG/UU)/II (MG/MH/TV) Multiplex Real-time PCR Kits (Infopia, Korea; GeneFinder assay) and Real-Q CT&NG/MH&TV/MG&UU Kits (BioSewoom, Korea; Real-Q assay). Discrepant results were resolved by another multiplex real-time assay, Anyplex II STI-7 Detection (Seegene, Korea). Any two positive results for the assays were considered true positive. RESULTS: Among 81 samples, the GeneFinder assay detected 63 pathogens from 45 cases (16 CT, 2 NG, 6 MG, 20 MH, 18 UU, and 1 TV) and Real-Q assay detected 66 pathogens from 47 cases (16 CT, 2 NG, 8 MG, 20 MH, 19 UU, and 1 TV). For the results of positive cases and negative cases, the overall concordance rate between the two multiplex real-time assays was 93.8% (Kappa=0.87). For each pathogen, the agreement rates of the two assays ranged from 97.5 to 100% (Kappa>0.8). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the results of GeneFinder assay and Real-Q assay. Both multiplex real-time PCR assays can be useful methods for the detection of STI pathogens in clinical laboratories.
Chlamydia trachomatis ; DNA ; Korea ; Mycoplasma genitalium ; Mycoplasma hominis ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases* ; Trichomonas vaginalis ; Ureaplasma urealyticum

Trichomonas vaginalis, a causative agent of trichomoniasis, may trigger symptomatic or asymptomatic nongonococcal urethritis and chronic prostatitis in men. Despite the availability of highly sensitive diagnostic tests, such as nucleic acid amplification tests, including PCR, few prospective studies present data on male T. vaginalis infection in South Korea. In the present study, the prevalence of T. vaginalis and associated clinical conditions were evaluated in 201 male patients from a primary care urology clinic in South Korea. The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in our cohort was 4% (8/201) by PCR. T. vaginalis infection was common in men older than 40 years (median age, 52 years). Among the 8 Trichomonas-positive patients, 87.5% (7/8) had prostatic diseases, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and 25.0% (2/8) and 12.5% (1/8) were coinfected with Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium, respectively. Our results suggest that T. vaginalis infection is not rare in men attending primary care urology clinics in South Korea, especially in those older than 40 years, in whom it may explain the presence of prostatic disease. The possibility of T. vaginalis infection should be routinely considered in older male patients with prostatic diseases in South Korea.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Chlamydia Infections/parasitology ; Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification ; Coinfection ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mycoplasma Infections/parasitology ; Mycoplasma genitalium/isolation & purification ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prostatitis/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Trichomonas Infections/*diagnosis ; Trichomonas vaginalis/*isolation & purification ; Young Adult