**Decrease in Sperm Quality due to Infection of Human Papilloma Virus and** *Chlamydia trachomatis*

María del Carmen Colín-Ferreyra, Maria Victoria Domínguez-García and Miriam V. Flores-Merino

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/63717

#### **Abstract**

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377.

68 Genital Infections and Infertility

1143–1157.

Male infertility can have different causes, one of which may be the presence of etiologic agents that cause sexually transmitted infections. Among the most important sexually transmitted infections are human papillomavirus and *Chlamydia trachomatis*, which are as‐ sociated with infertility in females – whether they cause infertility in men is controversial. The purpose of the chapter is to review the effect of these two pathogens on male fertility, the evidence suggests that the most important infertility effect is linked to the condition of the sperm. However, it is noteworthy that there are few studies with respect to infertil‐ ity in regard to both pathogens, so it is important to further research this to elucidate the mechanisms by which these pathogens act on male infertility.

**Keywords:** Human papillomavirus, *Chlamydia trachomatis*, male infertility, sperm, infertil‐ ity

#### **1. Introduction**

Sperm production is considered a complex process that can be affected by many factors, such as infections by viruses or bacteria. These may cause changes in motility, shape and sperm function. This chapter reviews the role of human papilloma virus (HPV), the bacterium *Chlamydia trachomatis* (*C. trachomatis*) single infections and co-infection by both pathogens in male infertility.
