Chlamydia trachomatis in male infertility

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is almost exclusively a human pathogen and consists of 15 serovar, all associated with infections, serovars D,E,F,G,H,I,J and K are associated with genital tract infections. C. trachomatis are obligate intracellular parasites, they can multiply only in living eukaryotic cells. The organism is known to cause : epidydimitis, urethritis, and proctitis. The organism has a unique developmental cycle in which it exist in two forms: the inactive elementary body and the infectious reticulate body , providing a mechanism for continued transmission among sexual partners. Current screening recommendations for C. trachomatis in infertile couple are vague, and at the present time it is not clear how to best detect C. trachomatis in the male. First catch urine has become the most widely accepted testing method for C. trachomatis detection. The impact of C. trachomatis infection in male infertility is less clear. A direct connection between disturbed male fertility, impaired function of the male accessory glands, only exists in isolated cases.