Publications scientifiques
Autres affiliations : University of Maroua · Université de Yaoundé II
Ulrich Membe Femoe
Autres affiliations : University of Maroua · Université de Yaoundé II
Calvine Noumedem Dongmo
Betrand Nono Fesuh
Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté
P. Kamtchouing
Romuald Issiaka Ngassam Kamwa
Research Square
Abstract Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated comparing to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Methods: A total of 89 men in the reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was use to evaluate the level of transaminases and testosterone. Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati with a prevalence of 31.37%. S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni . Serum transaminases activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma -positive individuals were close to those of negative ones. The testes size was however higher in S. mansoni -positive individuals than in S. haematobium -positive ones ( P < 0.05). The serum testosterone level of S. haematobium and S. mansoni -positive men was significantly reduced by 56.07% ( P < 0.001) and 51.94% ( P < 0.01) respectively in comparison to that of Schistosoma -negative ones. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma -positive and Schistosoma -negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with a low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone, and may be a major cause of male infertility.
