Jw. Trum et al., Accurate detection of male subclinical genital tract infection via cervical culture and DNA hybridization assay of the female partner, INT J ANDR, 23(1), 2000, pp. 43-45
The accuracy of the PACE2 DNA hybridization assay of the cervix and cervica
l culture in female partners for the diagnosis of male subclinical genital
tract infection were assessed in a male infertility population. A total of
184 men were screened for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma
urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. Seventy-one men were identified with a
positive test for one or more of the above mentioned micro-organisms. The
overall prevalence of bacterial infection was 39%. Female partners of all m
en were tested with the PACE2 DNA hybridization assay to detect a C. tracho
matis infection. Sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 100%. In 67 femal
e partners (94%) of men who tested positive for U. urealyticum and/or M. ho
minis, a cervical swab culture was performed. The sensitivity of the cervic
al swab culture was 100%. In view of the high prevalence of U. urealyticum
and M. hominis in the male genital tract and the role these sexually transm
itted pathogens may play in infertility, one might question whether all cou
ples should be screened for the presence of these pathogens. Transurethral
swab culture after digital prostatic massage is disincentive to men. The ce
rvical culture in their female partner, performed as part of the routine fe
rtility work-up, is a suitable alternative to detect the presence of these
micro-organisms in the male genital tract.