The Prevalence of Bacteria in Human Semen

In Nigeria, like any other African country, any marriage which does not produce children is regarded a failure. Many marriages dissolved because of the inability of the couples to have children. This study seeks to determine the effects of bacterial infection in human semen. The study will determine the degree of sperm abnormalities, motility, sperm count and volume of the seminal fluid. The design was prospective and cross-sectional. A total of 96 semen samples collected from males who were attending infertility clinics were analyzed between the year 2006 and 2007.The infertility clinics were located in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Central Hospital, and some private clinics in Benin City. Individuals were classed according to age, and the age groups ranged from 25 years to 49years, with a mean of 34.5+. The class interval was 5 years. Three bacterial species were isolated from the various semen samples. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest frequency of 65%, followed by Klebsiella species 18.8% and Escherichia coli accounted for 15.6%. The age group of 30 – 34 years had the highest infection rate of 50% and wasfollowed by the age group of 25 – 29 years with 46%. The age group of 45 – 49 years did not record any infection. There was a strong correlation between the presence of bacteria in the semen and low sperm count, reduced motility, reduced semen volume and increased sperm abnormalities (P < 0.05). There was strong relationship between multiplesexual partners with high infection rate (P < 0.05). A reduced infection rate was observed among individuals who were married and who always used condoms. While the unmarried individuals and those who never used condoms had the highest infection rates which affected the total sperm count, sperm motility, volume and increased abnormal forms. Bacteria in human semen has been observed to have negative effects on cell motility, viability, and semen volume. Efforts should be made to prevent bacteria in semen either by use of condom or complete abstinence to avoid the negative effects