To determine the prevalence of bacteriospermia and examine its association with semen parameters among males attending a fertility clinic in Kumasi, Ghana.
Approach:
Study Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 2024 to July 2024 at Oak Specialist Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.
Sample Collection: Semen samples from 226 males were collected and evaluated according to WHO guidelines, and cultured for bacteria using standard techniques.
Key Findings:
Prevalence of bacteriospermia was 46.5%.
Most common bacteria identified were Escherichia coli (41.9%), Klebsiella spp. (25.7%), Staphylococcus spp. (24.8%), Streptococcus spp. (2.9%), and Bacillus spp. (1.9%).
Abnormal semen parameters were observed in 47.6% of participants, predominantly teratozoospermia.
No significant association was found between bacteriospermia and semen parameters (p > 0.05).
Hypospermia was associated with significantly lower odds of bacteriospermia (aOR = 0.558; p = 0.047).
Interpretation:
The study found a high prevalence of bacteriospermia and abnormal semen parameters among men seeking fertility evaluation, but no significant association between bacteriospermia and semen quality was established.
Limitations:
Participants were not classified as infertile or fertile, limiting definitive conclusions.
Exclusion of individuals with known systemic or localized disorders affecting semen parameters.
by Evans Anokye Kumi, Victor Boachie Owusu, Ebenezer Kojo Addae, Peter Nyarko Coffie, Eric Darko, Rex Kwadwo Mawuli Djokoto, Kweku Bedu-Addo, John Asiedu Larbi
