Effect of hepatitis B virus on semen quality: a systematic review and meta- analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Some studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection adversely affects semen quality, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. The purpose of our study was to systematically assess the effect of HBV infection on semen parameters. Methods We searched electronic databases for studies published from January 1980 to November 2022. Eleven studies were included in the analysis. Primary outcomes were semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility and sperm progressive motility. We also conducted a subgroup analysis between China and other countries. Result Compared with the semen quality of HBV-negative men, HBV infection had an adverse effect on semen volume (MD: −0.20 mL, 95%CI: −0.32 to − 0.09, P = 0.0004), sperm concentration (MD: −4.46×106/mL, 95%CI: −7.09 to − 1.84, P = 0.0009), sperm morphology (MD: −2.49%, 95%CI: −4.35 to − 0.64, P = 0.008), sperm motility (MD: −6.85%, 95%CI: −11.53 to − 2.18, P = 0.004), and sperm progressive motility (MD: −6.63%, 95%CI: −10.24 to − 3.02, P = 0.0003). However, HBV infection did not significantly affect total sperm count (MD: −31.50×106, 95%CI: −74.11 to 11.10, P = 0.15). The effects of HBV on semen quality were inconsistent between the subgroups. Conclusion HBV infection adversely affected sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and semen volume. However, the effects on total sperm count remain unclear. Due to the significant heterogeneity among studies on some semen parameters, further researches are needed to clarify the effect of HBV infection on semen quality and male fertility.