Objective: To detection of microdeletions of Y chromosome and study the frequency of microdeletions in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia(Middle Euphrates center)in Iraq population. Material and methods: 153 males were included in the study, the casesweredivided into groups according to the infertility etiology and semen analysis according to Word health organization, the frequencies and the characteristicsof Y chromosome microdeletions were investigated in groups. Multiplex PCR was applied to detect the microdeletions. Results:Y chromosome microdeletion was detected in 42 (40.7%) of 153 cases ,Microdeletions in azoospermia showed more frequently detected 28 (52.8%), followed by severe oligospermia 14 (28 %),Microdeletions in the AZFc region were the most common 12 (22.64%), followed by AZFb 11(20.75%) and AZFa 5(9.43%) in azoospermia compared to severe oligospermisAZFc 6 (12%) AZFb 4 (8 %) and AZFa 4 (8%). Conclusion: Y chromosome microdeletions were detected quite frequently in certain infertility subgroups. Therefore, detailed evaluation of an infertile man by physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal evaluationsand when required, karyotype analysis may predict the patients for whom Y chromosome microdeletionanalysis is necessary and also prevent cost increases. Recommendation: This study emphasizes that analysis of microdeletions should be carried out for all patients with idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligospermia who are candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Y-chromosome microdeletions are not associated with SHOX haploinsufficiency
