ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THE FLUID CONTENTS OF SPERMATOCELES AND EPIDIDYMAL CYSTS

Objective To show that the fluids obtained from spermatoceles and epid idymal cysts are not infected, even though they may be present for lon g periods, and that these fluids have bactericidal activity. Materials and methods Sixteen patients, 13 with a spermatocele and three with a n epididymal cyst, were included in the study. Protein, glucose, chlor ide, inorganic phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents were measure d and cultures of the fluids were carried out. Bactericidal activity a gainst the 10418 clone was tested in different dilutions. Results Bioc hemical analysis showed that the protein, glucose and ionic content of the fluids was lower than that of serum, except for chloride. Microbi ological cultures were negative for all samples. A significant bacteri cidal effect was obtained with 1/1 dilution and no reproduction was se en with this dilution. Conclusion These findings indicate that the flu ids within spermatoceles and epididymal cysts do not become infected u nder normal circumstances.