An Update on Etiology and Detection of Anti-sperm Antibodies in Males and Females

Abstract

Anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) are generated in both males and females. A plethora of evidence suggests that in humans and in other species, at least some antibodies that bind to sperm  antigens can cause infertility. Globally, certain infectious and/or inflammatory diseases of the male reproductive tract (MRT), varicocele, cryptorchidism, and homosexuality have been proposed as risk factors for the formation of ASAs in males. Up till now, cross-reactivity with microbial antigens, putative role of antibody idiotypes, and interferon gamma-mediated potentiation of antisperm immune response in women whose male partners have ASAs in their semen have all been offered as possibilities for the genesis of sperm immunity in females. Although an association between these risk factors and ASAs formation has been claimed, but in several studies, this link still remains controversial, suggesting that the understanding of these conditions is not yet complete. Hence, this chapter reviews the already available literature to identify the probable risk factors of ASAs production and their detection.