Electron Microscopy of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection of the Male Genital Tract

Abstract

Semen specimens and testicular and epididymis biopsy from a patient of an infertile marriage were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Intraepithelial vesicles containing C. trachomatis were present in remaining cytoplasmic droplets in spermatozoa, desquamated epithelial cells, and stereocilia from epididymis. Elementary bodies were demonstrated in connective tissue from testes and in Leydig cells. The association between the microorganisms and spermatozoa contribute to the decreased motil-ity and necrospermia. The morphologic alterations in epididymis are responsible for decreased sperm maturation. The damage to Leydig cells can be demonstrated only by electron microscopy.

Key Words:

• Chlamydia trachomatis
• infrastructure
• Genital tract