The role of parasites and fungi in secondary infertility

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1: Med Pregl. 2004 Jan-Feb;57(1-2):30-2.

[Article in Serbian]

[No authors listed]

INTRODUCTION: Parasite-host relationships can cause diminished or

absent ability to conceive, ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy with

undesired course. LITERATURE REVIEW: There are reports that some

protozoa, helminths and fungi may impair women's reproductive

capacity, causing deformities of genital tract, so that conception

is impossible, or, if it does occur, normal implantation and

development of placenta are impossible. Schistosoma haematobium may

cause vulvar papule, swelling, tumors, irregular vaginal hemorrhage,

tubular infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Patients with cirrhosis

caused by schistosomas have gonadal dysfunction and schistosomiasis

itself can lead to tubular infertility. Some authors found

microfilaria of Mansonella perstans in follicular aspirates in

patients with tubular adhesions. Chronic Entamoeba histolytica

infection can cause pelvic pain and dyspareunia in some patients.

Although Trichomonas vaginalis is a common cause of tubal

inflammation, this protozoa affects semen quality and leads to

secondary infertility. Soluble parasite extract of T. vaginalis can

lead to impaired motility of 50% spermatozoa in vitro and affects

semen quality by increased viscosity and amount of debris, or damage

spermatozoid membrane. In enterobiosis, presence of adult worms and

eggs in fallopian tube, can be followed by chronic salpingitis and

tubal occlusion. Also in ascariosis, presence of adult forms and

eggs can lead to acute colpitis. chronic endometritis, salpingitis

or ovarian abscess. The consequence of fungal infections, such as

colpitis and endometritis, caused by Candida albicans, may be

infertility. Also, according to some reports, C. albicans leads to

decreased spermatozoan motility. CONCLUSION: Hence parasites and

fungi can cause infertility, we recommend examination of both

partners in treatment of infertility.