IMPACT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS AND SIGNIFICANT COUNT STATUSES ON FERTILITY PARAMETERS IN COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLISTS AND NON-CYCLISTS IN NNEWI, NIGERIA
Ochiabuto O.M.T.B.* and Chukwura E. I.
ABSTRACT
Fungal infections cause male assessory gland infections (MAGI) affecting male fertility especially in high - risk occupations. A case- control study on the impact of fungal infection and significant count statuses on fertility parameters was conducted in commercial motorcyclists and non-cyclists in Nnewi, Nigeria. A total of 304 samples consisting of 152 semen and blood samples from 49 commercial motorcyclists and 103 non-cyclists, aged 19-79 years old were analyzed. Subjects were recruited using non-probability sampling technique, data was collected using questionnaire, yeasts isolated using semen-dilution method and identified. Significant counts were calculated, semen quality and biomarkers assessed using WHO methods, serum hormone by ELISA technique. Fertility index was mathematically deducted and statistics analyzed with SPSS version 21. Results identified seven kinds of yeast isolates; Candida guilliermondii (47.2%), C. tropicalis(30.3%), C. albicans(13.2%), C. glabrata (2.6%), C. famata (2.0%), C. krunzi (1.3%) and Cryptococcus laurentii (0.7%), with C. guilliermondii highest in both groups, more types isolated from controls (7) than test groups (6). Fungal (73.5%) and mixed fungal infections (MFI) (42.9%) were higher in test groups; significant single and mixed fungal count statuses (FCS 1 and FCS 2) were higher in controls (60.9%; 58.6%). Age-wise, 45-64 years old groups had higher (FCS 1) (64.3%), while for (FCS 2), it was 19- 44 years (38.7%). Mean ranks of some serum hormones, semen qualities and biomarkers were affected by fungal infections and their significant count statuses in both groups, P < 0.05, and affected fertility index of test groups. Middle-aged and younger males are at risk for fungal infections which in significant count affected fertility parameters, more in semen quality and fertility index in test groups. Prompt treatment and awareness is necessary.
Keywords: Fungi, significant count, fertility parameters, commercial motorcyclists, non-cyclists.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]