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The Value of the Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction (MAR Test) as an Addition to Routine Seminal Analysis in the Evaluation of the Subfertile Couple
Author(s) -
STEDRONSKA J.,
HENDRY W.F.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 0271-7352
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1983.tb00221.x
Subject(s) - sperm , antibody , semen , andrology , semen analysis , sperm motility , medicine , infertility , direct agglutination test , gynecology , immunology , biology , pregnancy , serology , genetics
A mixed erythrocyte‐spermatozoa antiglobulin reaction (MAR test) for IgG antibodies has been done on semen specimens supplied by the male partners in 720 subfertile couples during a two‐year period. The test was possible in all except 69 patients (9.5%). Antisperm antibodies were detected in 48 (10%) of 484 men with normal sperm counts, 18 (23%) of 78 with low sperm motility, and 19 (15%) of 128 with low counts. In 204 patients, antisperm antibodies were also measured by serum sperm‐agglutination tests: The results showed a highly significant correlation with the results of MAR testing. It is concluded that the MAR test should be a routine part of seminal analysis, since the presence of IgG antisperm antibodies can be established in about 10% of men who might otherwise be passed as normal, and such antibodies can be positively excluded in a further 78% of the male partners of infertile marriages.