Microbial contamination in assisted reproductive technology: source, prevalence, and cost

Abstract

Even the strictest laboratories and clinics are prone to the occurrence of microbial contamination. In the case of in vitro fertilization (IVF) research and practice facilities, the number of possible sources is particularly vast. In addition to ambient air, personnel, and non-sterilized materials, follicular fluid and semen from patients are a very common gateway for a diverse range of bacteria and fungi into embryo cultures. Even so, reports of contamination cases are rare, what leads many clinics to see the issue as a negligible risk. Microbiological contamination may result in the demise of the patient's embryos, leading to additional costs to both the patient and the clinics. Regardless of financial loss, emotional costs, and stress levels during IVF are highly distressing. Other worrisome consequences include DNA fragmentation, poor-quality embryos, early pregnancy loss or preterm birth, and possible long-term damages that need further investigation. In this review, we aimed to shed a light on the issue that we consider largely underestimated and to be the underlying cause of poor IVF outcomes in many cases. We also discuss the composition of the microbiome and how its interaction with the reproductive tract of IVF-seeking patients might influence their outcomes. In conclusion, we urge clinics to more rigorously identify, register, and report contamination occurrences, and highlight the role of the study of the microbiome to improve overall results and safety of assisted reproduction.

Comparing the prognosis of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer between unexplained primary infertility patients with repeated artificial insemination with homologous semen failure and tubal infertility patients

“…CE could alter the local microenvironment and cause an imbalance in physiological functions, resulting in inflammation, oxidative stress, altered equilibrium of the endometrial cavity fluid, etc 30 . Therefore, PROM would occur more frequently in individuals suffering from such occult diseases 31 . Additionally, high stress, a depressed mood and vitamin deficiency could also adversely influence the clinical outcomes and rates of perinatal and postnatal complications in UAIHF patients 32 …”

“…30 Therefore, PROM would occur more frequently in individuals suffering from such occult diseases. 31 Additionally, high stress, a depressed mood and vitamin deficiency could also adversely influence the clinical outcomes and rates of perinatal and postnatal complications in UAIHF patients. 32 In summary, there has been uncertainty regarding the existence of certain risks associated with using the ICSI technique for UAIHF patients.…”

Indokolt-e a spermaminták bakteriológiai szűrése in vitro fertilizáció előtt?

“…Az asszisztált reprodukciós központok, embriológiai laboratóriumok működését szigorú protokollok szabályozzák. Ennek ellenére megoszlanak a vélemények a biológiai mintáknak, mint például a spermának a rutinszerű bakteriológiai szűréséről [2]. Felmerül a kérdés, hogy a minta esetleges bakteriális szennyezettsége veszélyezteti-e a létrejövő embriókat és ezáltal a kezelés kimenetelét.…”

Analysis of the clinical outcomes of microbial contamination caused by environmental contamination of the embryology laboratory during IVF-ET treatment cycles

“…There are few reports about IVF embryo contamination caused by embryology laboratories. Nevertheless, even the strictest laboratories are prone to contamination [5], as many reagents, devices, equipment, personnel, and even the environmental air represent a potential risk of contamination [6]. While there are numerous protocols and guidelines for IVF embryology laboratory practices that aim to reduce the possibility of introducing an adventitious agent into the embryology laboratory [7], there are no standard protocols available to detect and monitor sources of contamination by biological fluids and bacteria and fungi in the environmental air.…”