We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Semen by Sequencing Sperm RNA

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Feb 2020
Advanced sequencing of sperm RNA was used to detect genetic material from microorganisms that were present as contaminants in the associated semen.

The current approach for analysis of the male reproductive tract microbiome relies on identification of micoroorganisms grown from cultures. More...
This approach is of limited value, since the majority of pathogens cannot be cultured.

Investigators at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI, USA) and colleagues at the CReATe Fertility Center (Toronto, Canada) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA) conducted a study designed to assess the capacity of human sperm RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) data to gauge the diversity of the microbiome present within the semen.

For this study, the investigators collected 85 semen samples, isolated the sperm RNA, and analyzed the material using RNA sequencing technology. Microbial composition was determined by aligning sequencing reads not mapped to the human genome to the [U.S.] National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) RefSeq bacterial, viral, and archaeal genomes.

Microbial composition within each sample was characterized as a function of microbial associated RNAs. Results revealed that bacteria known to be associated with the male reproductive tract were present at similar levels in all samples representing 11 genera from four phyla with one exception, an outlier. The outlier sample exhibited a dramatic increase in Streptococcus, represented by two operational taxonomic units, S. agalactiae and S. dysgalactiae. These bacteria cause neonatal infection during pregnancy and post-delivery and are linked to significant mortality rates in premature births.

"We show that non-targeted sequencing of human sperm RNA has the potential to provide a profile of micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, archaea)," said Dr. Stephen Krawetz, professor of fetal therapy and diagnosis at Wayne State University. "This information was recovered from the data typically cast aside as part of routine nucleic acid sequencing. The enhanced sensitivity and specificity of the sequencing technology as compared to current approaches may prove useful as a diagnostic tool for microbial status as part of the routine assessment as we move toward personalized care. Given the recent increase and severity of Streptococcus (agalactiae) infection, as well as others in adults, neonates, and newborns, non-targeted human sperm RNA sequencing data may, in addition to providing fertility status, prove useful as a diagnostic for microbial status."

The RNA sequencing study was published in the January 4, 2020, online edition of the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.

Related Links:
Wayne State University
CReATe Fertility Center
University of Massachusetts Amherst



Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
New
Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B Combo Card Test
CerTest Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.