Editorial comment to receptor dependent immobilization of spermatozoa by sperm immobilization factor isolated from Escherichia coli: proof of evidence.

The problem of couple sterility has been increasing over recent years. Infectious agents, such as bacteria, yeast and viruses, can directly impair sperm motility at the vaginal, uterine and/or tubaric site and/or can induce inflammatory processes and a cell-mediated immunological response. In addition, human spermatozoa possess antigens that cross-react immunologically with certain microbial antigens.The prevalence of idiopathic causes of sterility is progressively decreasing as a result of new findings.