The Impact of Unrecognised Chlamydial Infection on Sperm

The effects of unrecognised Chlamydial infection on sperm production in human infertility

A/Prof Ken Beagley1, Dr Danica Hickey1, Emily Bryan1, Prof Eileen MacLaughlin2, Prof Rob McLachlan3, Prof Luk Rombauts3,4, Caroline Motteram3, Dr Darren Katz5, Samantha Ter3

1Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane; 2University of Newcastle, Callaghan; 3Monash IVF, Clayton; 1Monash Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clayton; 5The Centre for Specialist Men’s Health and Fertility, Melbourne.

Chlamydial infections are very common, with about a quarter of all people aged between 25 and 35 having been infected. Many people have no symptoms and therefore don’t receive treatment: this can result in chronic infections that can damage reproductive tissues in both men and women. There is now evidence to suggest that Chlamydia infections in men could cause to damage in the testis that could in turn lead to poor sperm production and infertility.

Our scientists are involved in a clinical trial aimed at investigating the role of Chlamydia infection in male infertility. The project involves using samples obtained after testicular biopsy to study the effect of Chlamydia on sperm development in the testes. The results from these studies will hopefully lead to better diagnosis and treatment of men with Chlamydia infection.

Recruitment for this clinical trial is ongoing and is offered to patients receiving treatment at our Clayton and Richmond clinics.

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