Detection of Adeno-associated Virus in Human Semen: Does Viral Infection Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Male Infertility?

Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of adeno-associated virus (AAV) DNA and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the semen of infertile men as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of male infertility.

Design: Descriptive pilot study.

Setting: University-based diagnostic and research laboratory.

Patient(s): Semen specimens were collected from 30 men with diagnosed infertility and from 8 control subjects.

Intervention(s): Diagnostic spermiograms were made and the semen specimens were separated into seminal fluid, nonspermatozoal cells, and spermatozoa using a Ficoll gradient technique.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The presence of AAV and HPV DNA in the different fractions of the ejaculates from the infertile men and the control subjects was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Semen quality was analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines.

Result(s): Adeno-associated virus DNA was detected in 30% (9/30) of the ejaculates from the infertile men. No AAV DNA was found in the ejaculates from the 8 control subjects. In 8 of 9 samples, AAV DNA could be found only in the spermatozoal fraction of the specimen. Seven of 9 semen specimens that contained viral DNA also demonstrated oligoasthenozoospermia. Both AAV and HPV DNA was found in the spermatozoal fraction of 3 of 30 specimens.

Conclusion(s): The data demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of AAV infection in human semen. Sperm motility seems to be affected by the presence of AAV.