Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Yan Guo; Yunhua Dong; Runzi Zheng; Jiacong Yan; Weiyuan Li; Ya Xu; Xuelan Yan; Yunmei Ke; Yantao Li; Lifeng Xiang

doi:10.1186/s12985-024-02431-w

Virology Journal (Jul 2024)

Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Yan Guo,
Yunhua Dong,
Runzi Zheng,
Jiacong Yan,
Weiyuan Li,
Ya Xu,
Xuelan Yan,
Yunmei Ke,
Yantao Li,
Lifeng Xiang

Affiliations

Yan Guo: Department of Reproductive Gynecology, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Yunhua Dong: Department of Reproductive Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Runzi Zheng: Department of Reproductive Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Jiacong Yan: Department of Reproductive Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Weiyuan Li: Department of Reproductive Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Ya Xu: Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Xuelan Yan: Department of Reproductive Gynecology, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Yunmei Ke: Department of Reproductive Gynecology, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Yantao Li: Department of Reproductive Gynecology, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
Lifeng Xiang: Department of Reproductive Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Healthy Birth and Birth Defect Prevention in Western China, the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-024-02431-w
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 19

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples globally, with the incidence of male infertility steadily increasing. However, our understanding of the impact of viral infections on fertility remains limited. This review consolidates findings from previous studies, outlining 40 viruses identified in human semen and summarizing their key characteristics, modes of transmission, and their effects on both the reproductive and endocrine systems. Furthermore, it elucidates potential pathogenic mechanisms and treatment prospects of viruses strongly associated with male infertility. This synthesis will enhance our comprehension of how viral infections influence male reproductive health, offering valuable insights for future research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious infertility. Graphical Abstract Abbreviated summary: Semen viral infections can damage the male reproductive system, further affecting semen quality and causing infertility, as well as sexually transmitted infections to partners and vertical transmission resulting in poor pregnancy outcomes.

Published in Virology Journal

ISSN: 1743-422X (Online)
Publisher: BMC
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Infectious and parasitic diseases
Website: http://virologyj.biomedcentral.com

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords