Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the most frequently sexually transmitted viruses and etiological agents of several human cancers. Controversial results of the role of HPV in infertile population on sperm parameters have been published. The aim of this study was to estimate the type-specific prevalence of HPV DNA infection of the external genitalia and semen in 340 Slovenian men from infertile couples and to establish the relationship between seminal HPV DNA infection and abnormal sperm parameters. Self-taken swabs of the entire penile surface and semen samples were collected, and HPV detection and genotyping were performed. HPV DNA was detected in 37.12% of external genitalia and in 13.61% of semen samples with high HPV type concordance of both sampling sites. The most prevalent HPV types in the male external genitalia were HPV-CP6108 and HPV-84. The most prevalent HPV types in semen were HPV-53 and HPV-CP6108. The prevalence of HPV infection between normozoospermic men and men with abnormal sperm parameters did not differ significantly. Sperm quality did not differ significantly between men with seminal HPV infection and uninfected men. In conclusion, the men from infertile couples are equally susceptible to HPV infection regardless opotential; seminal HPV infection does not impair sperm quality.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1512620
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the genotype specific prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men from infertile couples. METHODS. From 71 self-collected penile shaft swabs of men from infertile couples, DNA was isolated and the presence of 37 different HPV genotypes was assessed. PRELIMINARY RESULTS. 71 men visiting the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology due to fertility problems were included in the study. Among all collected samples, 68 HPV DNA infections were detected. The overall prevalence of HPV infection with at least one genotype was 53%. The most common genotypes detected were HPV-84 and HPV-CP6108. CONCLUSIONS. HPV infection is frequent in males from infertile couples. In view of reports on a possible negative impact of HPV DNA infection on male fertility, further research is required.
COBISS.SI-ID: 269844736