Flow cytometry application in the evaluation of antisperm antibodies in sera samples of infertile people and prepubertal boys with gonadal disorders

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the following study was to assess antisperm antibodies in sera samples of infertile men and women, as well as from prepubertal boys by means of flow cytometry. Material and methods: We tested sera samples of infertile and fertile adult populations, prepubertal boys with gonadal disorders and healthy prepubertal boys. The indirect immunobead test and flow cytometry were used to detect antisperm antibodies. Results: The comparison of antisperm antibody levels in sera samples of adult infertile versus healthy controls (men and women) evaluated by means of flow cytometry did not reveal statistically significant differences. The only significant correlation found were results obtained by IDIBT and FCM for IgG antisperm antibodies for infertile adult group (r=0.507, p=0.012). The comparison of antisperm antibody levels in sera samples from prepubertal boys revealed statistically significant differences for all tested antibody isotypes. Diagnostic values compared for both assays showed markedly better discriminatory ability of flow cytometry for analyzed groups of prepubertal boys than for adult populations. Conclusions: Flow cytometry test may be used to verify antisperm antibody levels in prepubertal boys with testicular failures