What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate whether Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites can colonize the testes and epididymis and to characterize their direct impact on the structure and function of human spermatozoa.

May 3, 2025FEBS JournalOpen Access

Adverse impact of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection on human spermatozoa

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Authors

LRLisbeth Rojas‐BarónJustus-Liebig-Universität Gießen LTLeandro TanaInstitut Pasteur de Montevideo MAMireille H. Nguele AmpamaJustus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

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Implication

Experimental study demonstrates that acute Toxoplasma gondii infection causes structural defects and mitochondrial dysfunction in human spermatozoa, highlighting a potential parasitic cause of...

Key Points

To evaluate whether Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites can colonize the testes and epididymis and to characterize their direct impact on the structure and function of human spermatozoa.
Assessed colonization, tissue integrity, and immune cell infiltration following T. gondii tachyzoite proliferation in testicular and epididymal tissues.
Co-incubated human spermatozoa with T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro and analyzed morphological alterations using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Quantified mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species levels, and induction of cell death in exposed spermatozoa.
T. gondii tachyzoites successfully colonized and proliferated within the testes and epididymis, inducing structural tissue disruption, cellular damage, and immune infiltration.
Direct in vitro interaction produced severe spermatozoa abnormalities, including plasma membrane disruption, twisted tails, and a significant proportion of headless spermatozoa.
Infection triggered sperm cell death via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential without altering reactive oxygen species concentrations.

Cite This Study

Rojas‐Barón et al. (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7dbef67c193befc4339e76 https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.70097

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Implication

Experimental study demonstrates that acute Toxoplasma gondii infection causes structural defects and mitochondrial dysfunction in human spermatozoa, highlighting a potential parasitic cause of...

Adverse impact of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection on human spermatozoa

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Adverse impact of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection on human spermatozoa

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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