The first wave of experiments has focused on the
detection and identification of bacteria in semen. The sophisticated molecular
biology approaches developed for HIV detection have been applied to the detection
of bacterial genes. Foundation scientists have taken advantage of the large
body of new information within the past five years that has revealed that most
(estimated at greater than 99%) bacteria have never been identified because
they cannot be cultured by standard laboratory culture conditions. Thus, the
molecular biology approach to bacteria detection has already shown a relationship
between stomach cancers and a bacteria, Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori had not
been identified by laboratory culture before it was identified by molecular
biology assays.
Results of the first experiments are currently
being compiled for publication. The molecular biology detection system has been
adjusted to detect only bacteria present in sufficient amounts to be candidates
for infection. The system does not detect the "normal" bacteria that
reside on exposed surfaces, such as skin. Three groups of semen specimens are
currently under examination: specimens from men seeking evaluation for infertility
treatment, specimens from HIV infected men, and specimens from men with chronic
prostatitis. The results of the studies will be posted on this website as soon
as they are compiled.
Prostate Specific Markers
In addition to the detection of bacteria, similar
molecular biology approaches can be applied to the detection of certain marker
proteins for disease, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA). The hope of foundation
scientists is to be able to raise sufficient funds to support research to examine
semen specimens collected before men undergo prostate biopsy for cancer detection.
The possibility of detecting cancer markers in semen specimens holds great promise
for improving disease management.
The Prostatitis Test Kit: The Foundation has developed a mail-in test kit for prostatitis. The test detects increased numbers of white blood cells in your semen, as well as measuring abnormally high levels of bacteria in semen. With the test results you may be able to determine the nature of your infection and the bacteria causing it. Test Kit
Treatment: The test may be able to catch prostatitis in the early stages allowing a doctor to prescribe medication before disabling symptoms of prostatic pain develop. The early stages of prostatitis are difficult to detect, therefore it is most commonly diagnosed by constant pelvic pain of the later stages. However with our new semen cytology and prostatitis check, we may be able to detect a prostatitis inflamation before it becomes symptomatic. Prostatitis
Testing
Bedford Stem Cell
Research Foundation Headquarters
PO Box 1028
Bedford, MA 01730
Laboratory
260 Elm Street, Suite 106
Somerville, MA 02144
Join Us: Nov 8, 2013: The Activated Egg Symposium with Keynote Mario Capecchi
The Prostatitis Test Kit: The Foundation has developed a mail-in test kit for prostatitis. The test detects increased numbers of white blood cells in your semen, as well as measuring abnormally high levels of bacteria in semen. With the test results you may be able to determine the nature of your infection and the bacteria causing it.