Background and Aim: Urinary tract infections can be one of the most important causes of infertility in men. Identification of semen bacterial contamination and using of appropriate antibiotic treatment can cause to improvement sperm parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of bacterial contamination of semen and its effect on standard sperm parameters.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the semen analysis of 40 men referring to Birjand laboratories was performed by using the CASA model spermogram device. The Eosin-Nigrosin staining was used to evaluate of sperm viability. After semen samples were cultured on microbial culture media, bacterial contamination was assessed by using conventional microbiological methods. The determination of antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates was performed by the disk diffusion method.
Results: In the present study, 30% of semen 12 samples were detected with bacterial contamination, the most frequent of which was related to Escherichia coli (41.7%). Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between bacterial contamination of semen and history of urinary tract infection (UTI) (P=0.001). There was a significant decrease in the motility, viability and sperm count in subjects with bacterial semen contamination (P<0.05). Nitrofurantoin, Gentamicin and third-generation of Cephalosporins were reported as the most effective treatment options for reducing bacterial contamination in semen.
Conclusion: The bacterial contamination of semen can significantly reduce the motility, viability and sperm count. Due to the high prevalence of bacterial contamination in semen and its significant association with sperm factors, the microbial screening of infertile couples without clinical symptoms is essential.

Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Bacterial Contamination, Infertility, Semen Fluid, Sperm

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