Analysis of antisperm antibody assessment results in the ejaculate of men attending a reproductive medicine center

BACKGROUND: This study is relevant due to the high frequency of infertility, controversial data on the prevalence of antisperm antibodies in the ejaculate and threshold values of test results that allow assessment of immune male infertility, as well as the lack of consensus among specialists on the advisability of conducting the Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction (MAR) test when examining men to assess the state of their reproductive health. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the MAR test indicators in men who attended a reproductive medicine center, and the relationship between the content of antisperm antibodies and the indicators of the basic ejaculate study. Methods: The results of the basic ejaculate study and the mixed antiglobulin reaction test of 2076 men (mean age 36.7 ± 6.4 years) who sequentially attended the International Center for Reproductive Medicine in 2022–2023 were retrospectively studied. The ejaculate volume, concentration, total number, morphology, and motility of spermatozoa were determined; the MAR test was performed in accordance with the requirements of the World Health Organization 2010 guidelines; and the relationship of the obtained indicators was analyzed. Results: MAR test values equal to 0% were obtained in 39 (1.8%) men, in 1867 (89.9%) men the proportion of spermatozoa covered with antisperm antibodies did not exceed 10%, and values of 91%–100% were found in 31 (1.5%) men. Sperm concentration and total sperm count in the ejaculate, as well as the proportion of sperm with normal morphology, were higher in men who had zero MAR test values (p 0.01, p 0.05 and p 0.0001, respectively). Differences in sperm count and motility in men with antisperm antibodies became apparent when the threshold values of the MAR test exceeded 10% and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of antisperm antibodies in the ejaculate is high. The obtained data support the recommendation of MAR testing for men undergoing evaluation of reproductive function and preserving reproductive health.