Detection of HSV-1 DNA in the Semen of Infertile Men and Evaluation of its Correlation with Semen Parameters in Iran

Background and Aims: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are of major concern to clinicians and researchers in the field of reproductive medicine. Many STI pathogens cause incurable and often fatal diseases, and have been transmitted through insemination procedures. The role of herpes simplex virus in male infertility has been investigated using the sensitive methods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HSV-1DNA in the semen of an asymptomatic male group with infertility problems and its association with altered semen parameters. Methods: A total of 70 semen samples from infertile men were collected in the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility Yazd, Iran. Semen analysis and diagnostic Real Time PCR using specific primers and probe for gpB gene of HSV-1, was performed for detection of HSV-1 DNA in the specimen. Results: Semen analysis showed two groups of infertile men, including male factor group and unexplained group. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 16 (22.86%) of the70 semen samples. All HSV-1positive samples had abnormal semen parameters (male factor group). Conclusion: Using a powerful molecular method, we detected a high prevalence of HSV-1 DNA in the semen of asymptomatic infertile patients. Although HSV-1 infection was not associated with motility and morphology defects of the sperms, it was related with decreased sperm count in the semen fluid.