Influence of Bacteriospermia, Host and Lifestyle Factors on Sperm DNA Integrity: A Cross-Sectional Study  Based on a Fertility Center of Nepal

Anima  Shrestha; Dev Raj  Joshi; Dijan  Vaidya; Sanu Maiya  Shrestha; Anjana  Singh

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v19i1.18438

Anima Shrestha Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Dev Raj Joshi Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Dijan Vaidya Creator’s IVF Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal
Sanu Maiya Shrestha Creator’s IVF Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal
Anjana Singh Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v19i1.18438

Keywords: Age; Bacteria; Male Infertility; Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Abstract

Objective: To determine the sperm DNA fragmentation in the semen of suspected sub-fertile men of Nepal and find its association with bacteriospermia demographic and lifestyle factors.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the subjects, males among
sub-fertile couples visiting a fertility center in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal for consultation. Information on demography and exposure factors was obtained with a structured questionnaire, and bacteriospermia and sperm DNA fragmentation was determined from the semen samples collected from the study subjects. The data obtained were used to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and its association with various risk factors in sub-fertile men of Nepal.

Results: Out of 186 samples analyzed, 41.4% had low DNA fragmentation (<15%), 38.7% had
moderate DNA fragmentation (≥15% and <30%), and 19.9% had high DNA fragmentation (≥30%). Among the risk factors analyzed, sperm DNA fragmentation was found to be significantly associated with the age of the patients (p<0.05). Other factors analyzed body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and bacteriospermia were not found to be associated with sperm DNA fragmentation in our study.

Conclusion: Sperm DNA integrity may be distorted with the increasing age of men, leading to decreasing fertility potential.