Semen Evaluation and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Males Infected with Burkholderia Cepacia Complex

Kawther M. H.  Al-Karaawi; Zina M. A. Alshami; Haider M. Ali Samaka

doi:10.36321/kjns.vi20251.19499

Authors

Kawther M. H. Al-Karaawi Jabir ibn Hayyan Medical University, College of Medicine, Medical Microbiology department, Najaf, Iraq.
Zina M. A. Alshami Jabir ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Najaf, Iraq.
Haider M. Ali Samaka Jabir ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, Department of medical sciences, Najaf, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36321/kjns.vi20251.19499

Keywords:

semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, bacterial infection, male infertility.

Abstract

Background: Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a multi-drug resist pathogen, its presence in semen, may be a factor in infertility by triggering the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing sperm DNA fragmentation.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate semen quality in the presence of Burkholderia cepacia compared to semen quality associated with other bacterial strains.

Methdology: In this case-control study, semen analysis was performed on 105 men to evaluate their infertility status due to the presence of infection. According to WHO guideline, 5th edition, 2010, semen was evaluated for all parameters. Sperm DNA fragmentation was also assessed to evaluate sperm DNA integrity. Using the VITEK 2 system, the isolated Burkholderia strain was identified, and its antibiotic resistance was tested.

Results: Among the 105 semen samples collected, bacterial isolates were found in 57 cases, with 8 isolates confirmed to be Burkholderia cepacia. The group infected with Burkholderia cepacia showed a significant reduction in progressive motility (p<0.05). And 75% of Burkholderia cases were isolated from immunocompromised individuals. 50% of the isolates exhibit weak biofilm formation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using VITEK AST demonstrated 100% sensitivity to amikacin, gentamicin, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin, while sulfamethoxazole demonstrated the highest level of resistance.

Conclusions: As a result of the association between Bcc infection and compromised sperm function, microbiological screening should be considered in cases of unexplained male infertility.