CONCLUSION(S): Herpes simplex virus seems to play a significant role in
male infertility, and its early detection by the nested polymerase
chain reaction technique will permit successful antiviral therapy to
increase the possibility for fertility restoration and long-term
protection of the sperm quality. Finally, the detection of herpes
viruses within semen will allow better control of the transmission of
these viruses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV),
cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the semen of men
with fertility problems. DESIGN: A descriptive clinical study.
SETTINGS: Outpatient infertility clinic of a private hospital.
PATIENT(S): One hundred thirteen men attending an infertility clinic in
Athens. INTERVENTION(S): Semen samples were collected by masturbation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Detection of HSV, CMV, and EBV in semen by a
nested polymerase chain reaction technique. Complete spermogram
including sperm count, motility, pH, viscosity, and morphology.
RESULT(S): Viral DNA was detected by the nested polymerase chain
reaction technique in 64 (56.6%) of 113 semen samples. Specifically,
HSV DNA was detected in 56 (49.5%) semen samples, EBV DNA in 19 (16.8%)
semen samples, and CMV DNA in 8 (7.1%) semen samples. HSV was
significantly related to low sperm count and poor motility. In
contrast, CMV and EBV did not show any association with sperm
concentration and motility.

PMID: 12801561 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]