SYSTEMATIZATION OF CYTOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN SEMEN SEDIMENT: A CATALOG AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Details: Created: 29 June 2026; Hits: 31

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- VOL 6, No. 2 (2026)
DOI: 10.14489/lcmp.2026.02.pp.057-072
Article type: Research Article

Continuous numbering: 20
Pages: 57-72
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Heading: New Look from Clinical and Pharmaceutical Practice

Background. Sperm sediment cytology (SSC) can detect inflammatory, dysbiotic and infection associated alterations in male accessory glands, but the lack of standardized interpretation criteria limits its clinical application. Objective. To develop and systematize a catalog of cytological findings in semen sediment for unified interpretation in men with reproductive dysfunction. Materials and methods. Between 2019 and 2025, 1221 residual semen samples from men aged 18–56 years (after routine semen analysis) were examined at the International Cytology School & Innovatory Medical School. SSC was performed using conventional cytological methods with upgrade and standardization of preanalytical and analytical stages. Cytological findings were ranked and clinically interpreted. Results. Two groups of atypical cytological patterns were identified: nonspecific (types 1–8) and specific (types 9–14) epithelial and non epithelial cellular changes. A catalog comprising 14 finding types with clear quantitative thresholds was developed: leukocytes ≥3 per high power field (HPF), macrophages ≥2/HPF, epithelial desquamation ≥5/HPF, as well as morphological criteria for degenerative, inflammatory and infection associated changes. Specific findings included Trichomonas vaginalis, chlamydial inclusions, Candida spp., Leptothrix, human papillomavirus (HPV) associated alterations, and other viral and protozoan markers. Conclusion. The proposed catalog standardizes cytological examination of semen sediment, reduces inter observer variability, increases the diagnostic value of SSC in the comprehensive work up of male infertility, and provides a rationale for targeted molecular verification.

Zhanna Yu. Sapozhkova – MD, PhD, Assistant at the Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics with the Course of Laboratory Immunology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation; Head and Senior Lecturer at the International Cytology School & Innovatory Medical School; Head of the Cytology Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics Physician at the Moscow Regional Oncological Clinical Center, Moscow, Russia.
Maria A. Supriago – counsulting Editor, Expert of the Center for Evaluation of Medical Devices at the Public State-funded Institution ‘National Institute of Quality’ of Federal Agency for Supervision in Healthcare, Moscow, Russia.

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DOI: 10.14489/lcmp.2026.02.pp.057-072
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Keywords

cytological examination of semen sediment, SSC, male infertility, catalog of cytological findings in semen sediment, leukocytospermia, macrophages, epithelial desquamation, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Leptothrix, HPV associated alterations.

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Sapozhkova ZhYu, Supriago MA. Systematization of cytological findings in semen sediment: a catalog and its clinical significance. Laboratory and Clinical Medicine. Pharmacy. 2026;6(2):57-72. (In Russ). DOI: 10.14489/lcmp.2026.02.pp.057-072