Prevalence of HCMV, HHV‐6, and HSV‐1/2 in the semen of men attending infertility clinics and their association with semen parameters

Abstract

Viral infections have been identified as potential disruptors of male reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6), and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV‐1/2) DNA in semen samples from fertile and infertile men within the potential impact of these on semen parameters. This case‐control study was conducted by collecting semen samples from 200 men (100 fertile controls and 100 infertile cases) attending the infertility clinic. Semen analysis was performed to evaluate ejaculate volume, pH, sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Viral DNA detection and HSV‐1/2 typing were performed using real‐time PCR and high‐resolution melt (HRM). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Pearson χ 2 test with a significance level set at p  < 0.05. Overall, HSV‐1 was detected in 12% of the samples, HCMV in 13%, and HHV‐6 in 1.5%. Specifically, HSV‐1, HCMV, and HHV‐6 in fertile controls and infertile cases were identified in (4% and 8%), (5% and 8%), (0% and 3%), respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in standard semen parameters between virus‐positive and virus‐negative samples within either the fertile or infertile groups. The study identified the presence of HCMV, HHV‐6, and HSV‐1/2 in the semen samples of both fertile and infertile men. However, the lack of statistically significant altered semen parameters when comparing individuals with and without these viral infections suggests that these herpesviruses might not have a substantial impact on male fertility.