[Microbiological analysis of the ejaculate in andrology].

Microbiological analysis of semen in andrology is mainly performed in cases of infertility and artificial insemination. In order to localize the suggested infection and to detect urethral (asymptomatic) colonization, we recommend to analyse additional specimens of the patient, i.e. urethral swabs and first portion of urine. As a rule, quantitative microbiological analysis is necessary in cases of bacteria belonging to the group of potentially pathogenic flora. In isolating pathogenic ("specific") bacteria, the detection of a few microorganisms indicates an infectious process. We recommend the careful microscopical examination of the ejaculate to detect phagocytes, abnormal spermatozoa, trichomonads, yeasts and other cells. As a rapid microscopical examination we employ the DAPI-fluorochrome-technique. Microbiological cultures should take into consideration the isolation and identification of ureaplasmas and chlamydia trachomatis. In order to achieve a comparison of microbiological results with those of other laboratories, it is essential to define the terms "significant bacteriospermia" and "significant leukocytospermia". In other words, it is necessary to introduce a borderline between contamination and infection concerning the "nonspecific" potentially pathogenic flora.