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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
The long-term effects of DDT exposure on semen, fertility, and sexual function of malaria vector-control workers in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Environmental Research, Volume 96, No. 1, Year 2004
Notification
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Description
Hormonally active chemicals in the environment such as DDT have been associated with declining male reproductive health, especially semen quality. A cross-sectional study of 60 workers was performed near the Malaria Control Center (MCC) in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Tests included a questionnaire (sexual function, fertility, and job history), a physical examination of the reproductive system, and semen analysis (produced via coitus interruptus or masturbation). Sperm count, density, and motility using the World Health Organization criteria and morphology using the strict Tygerberg criteria were determined. Serum o′p′ and p′p′ isomers of DDE, DDT, and DDD were measured. Forty-eight (81.0%) participants produced a semen sample, while all completed the questionnaires and physical examination. The mean sperm count was 93.8±130.3 million, and sperm density was 74.6±85.1 million/mL. The mean normal morphology score was 2.5±1.8% of subjects. Eighty-four percent of morphology scores were below either the WHO or the Tygerberg criteria, with the highest individual score being 6%. Self-perceived current problems with sexual function ranged between 10% and 20%. The most prevalent genital abnormality was abnormal testis disposition at 71%. There were few significant associations between DDT exposure measures (measured as years worked at MCC and serum DDT) and reproductive outcomes. p′p′-DDT was negatively associated with semen count (β̂=-3.7±1.7; P=0.04; R2=0.05 adjusted for age, abstinence, physical abnormality, and fever in last 2 months). While the semen quality in the study was less than normal, no strong evidence for a DDT effect was found. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Dalvie, Mohamed Aqiel
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Myers, Jonathan Elliot
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Thompson, Mary Lou
United States, Seattle
University of Washington
Robins, Thomas G.
United States, Ann Arbor
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Dyer, Silke J.
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Riebow, John
United States, East Lansing
Michigan State University
Molekwa, J. T.
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Jeebhay, Mohamed Fareed
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Millar, Robert P.
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Reproductive Biology Centre
Kruger, Philip Stephanus
Unknown Affiliation
Statistics
Citations: 77
Authors: 10
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.envres.2003.09.002
ISSN:
00139351
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
South Africa
Participants Gender
Male