Sperm agglutinating factor (
SAF) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus immobilizes spermatozoa by agglutination and causes sperm death. This interaction of
SAF with spermatozoa is receptor mediated and this receptor has been isolated and purified from human spermatozoa. In this study we attempt to study whether the receptor could ameliorate the detrimental effects of
SAF on sperm parameters. Receptor was evaluated against
SAF mediated compromised sperm parameters such as Mg(2+) dependent
ATPase activity, acrosome status and apoptosis, in vitro using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry as well as in vivo by studying the impact on fertility in mice. Incubation of
SAF (80 μg) with spermatozoa resulted in reduced Mg(2+) dependent
ATPase activity and premature acrosomal loss whereas a higher concentration (100 μg), induced apoptosis. However, in the presence of receptor a dose dependent blockage of
SAF induced inhibition of Mg(2+) dependent
ATPase activity was observed. At higher concentrations 100 and 125 μg, receptor could inhibit both the premature acrosomal loss and apoptosis. In vivo studies showed that receptor (50 μg) could alleviate
SAF induced
infertility in female Balb/c mice following a single intravaginal application before mating. The work highlights the efficacy of the receptor as a corrective measure against negative influence of
SAF on functional parameters of spermatozoa as well as fertility and presents receptor as a potential therapeutic intervention against
SAF induced
infertility.