The Effect of Genital Tract Infections on Sperm DNA Integrity: A Comparative Study Between Infertile and Fertile Men

Abstract

Male infertility is a complex condition often associated with impaired semen quality and molecular abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate conventional semen parameters, round cell concentration, and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men diagnosed with Asthenozoospermia, Oligoasthenozoospermia, and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, compared to a fertile control group. Semen samples were collected and analyzed following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in round cell concentration in the Asthenozoospermia (12.76 ± 1.08), Oligoasthenozoospermia (14.62 ± 0.75), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (12.82 ± 0.79) groups compared to controls. Additionally, sperm DNA fragmentation levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in infertile men—Asthenozoospermia (78.76 ± 0.72), Oligoasthenozoospermia (86.85 ± 1.08), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (95.24 ± 0.35) than in the control group (50.70 ± 1.01). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between all infertile groups and controls across the assessed parameters. These findings indicate that elevated round cell concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation are key markers of impaired semen quality and may contribute to male infertility. Comprehensive assessment of these parameters could improve diagnostic accuracy and inform targeted therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant elevation of round cell concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men with Asthenozoospermia, Oligoasthenozoospermia, and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia compared to fertile controls. These alterations reflect underlying seminal and molecular dysfunctions that likely contribute to impaired fertility potential. The integration of round cell assessment and sperm DNA fragmentation analysis with conventional semen evaluation may enhance diagnostic precision and guide more effective, individualized treatment strategies for male infertility.