Inhibition of oocyte fertilization by assisted reproductive techniques and increased sperm DNA fragmentation in the presence of Candida albicans: a case report

The effects of Candida albicans on sperm parameters and the outcome of infertility treatment are unclear. This report describes a lack of fertilization after assisted reproductive techniques and increased sperm DNA fragmentation in an infertile patient with male accessory gland infection due to Cand...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reproductive biomedicine online 2004-05, Vol.8 (5), p.569-573
Main Authors: Burrello, Nunziatina, Calogero, Aldo E, Perdichizzi, Anna, Salmeri, Mario, D'Agata, Rosario, Vicari, Enzo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Annexin A5 - metabolism
annexin V
assisted reproductive techniques
Candida albicans
Candida albicans - physiology
Candidiasis - physiopathology
DNA fragmentation
DNA Fragmentation - physiology
Female
fertilization failure
Fertilization in Vitro
Humans
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Infertility, Male - etiology
Infertility, Male - microbiology
Male
male accessory gland infection
Spermatozoa - physiology
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Summary:The effects of Candida albicans on sperm parameters and the outcome of infertility treatment are unclear. This report describes a lack of fertilization after assisted reproductive techniques and increased sperm DNA fragmentation in an infertile patient with male accessory gland infection due to Candida albicans. He had normal sperm parameters and, therefore, underwent conventional IVF for a female factor of infertility. No spermatozoa or only one spermatozoon per oocyte were found attached to the zona pellucida of the six mature oocytes retrieved. A new semen sample was then requested from the patient to perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the same oocytes, but again no fertilization resulted. Candida albicans was detected in the medium where spermatozoa were co-incubated with oocytes and subsequently in the urethral swabs. It did not have any detrimental effect on sperm parameters soon after ejaculation or following separation of motile spermatozoa by swim-up technique. Fertilization failure after assisted reproduction treatment was associated with an increased percentage of motile spermatozoa having chromatin packaging abnormalities, externalization of phosphatidylserine and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, Candida albicans did not affect sperm parameters, but increased sperm chromatin packaging damage and apoptosis that might have caused fertilization failure after assisted reproduction treatment in this couple.
ISSN:1472-6483
1472-6491
DOI:10.1016/S1472-6483(10)61104-2