Characterization of sperm cells in infertile male subjects in southwest Nigeria

Oni Emmanuel Sunday 1, *, Ebirien-Agana Samuel Bartimaeus 1, Edna Ogechi Nwachuku 1, Elekima Ibioku, Thankgod Prince Ohaka 1 and Wojuade Samuel Kehinde ²

1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2 Abims Fertility & Andrology Clinic 25, Oluwu Street, Off Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2023, 16(01), 182–185.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2023.16.1.0429
Publication history: 
Received on 02 September 2023; revised on 11 October 2023; accepted on 14 October 2023
 
Abstract: 
Sperm characteristics are used as proxy to estimate or gain insight into the underlying causes of male infertility. The aim of the study was to characterize sperm cells in infertile males in South-West Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 92 male subjects, grouped as 35 fertile males (control) and 57 infertile males (test subjects). The subjects, who volunteered, were attendees of Fertility Clinics in Lagos Metropolis, Lagos, Nigeria. Semen specimens were collected and analyzed with computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) in conjunction with WHO guidelines for semen preparation and examination. Raw data obtained from the measurements, were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism Version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA). Results were expressed as percentage. The results revealed sperm cells in the infertile subjects as following: (a) based on sperm counts; the sperm cells were oligospermia and azoospermia with prevalence of 54 (79%) and 12 (21%) respectively. (b) Based on sperm cell morphology: the sperm cells were 14 (25%) oligoasthenoteratospermia, 12 (21%) teratospermia, 9 (16%) oligoasthenospermia; 9 (16%) oligoteratospermia, 5 (8%) asthenospermia, 4 (7%) asthenoteratospermia and 4 (7%). Cryptospermia.  (c) Based on ejaculatory volume; 14 (24.5%) hypovolaemia, 2 (3.5%) hypervolaemic, and 41 (72%) normovolaemia, (d) Based on viscosity: 53 (93 %) Normoviscosity, and 4 (7%) hyperviscocity. In conclusion, Infertility in the studied population was caused by high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.
 
Keywords: 
Characterization; Sperm cells; Infertile; Fertile; Male subjects; South-West Nigeria
 
Full text article in PDF: