Viral infections have been a part of human existence to date, though viruses have posed a huge threat with various outbreaks lately. These threats are associated with reproductive health challenges, especially
male infertility. The prime focus of this review is to highlight the mechanisms associated with
viral infection-induced
male infertility/
subfertility and identify new treatment strategies with the aim to preserve male fertility. The reviewed data showed that
viral infections stimulate inflammatory responses, resulting in the release of proinflammatory
cytokines, which induces oxidative stress. This oxido-inflammatory cycle could continue in a vicious cycle and threaten male fertility. Existing data from human and experimental studies show that
viral infection-induced oxido-inflammatory response results in testicular damage,
atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cells, and reduced Leydig cell mass. This is accompanied by reduced circulatory
testosterone, impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm motility, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis of the sperm cells. Based on the available pieces of evidence,
antioxidant therapy, in vivo and in vitro, may be beneficial and protects against the potential risk of
male infertility from
viral infection. It is, however recommended that more clinical studies be conducted to demonstrate the possible protective roles of
antioxidants used as adjuvant
therapy in
viral infections, and in the in vitro treatment of semen samples for those utilizing semen washing and artificial reproductive techniques.