Microbial flora of the cervix assessed at the time of embryo transfer adversely affects in vitro fertilization outcome

Examination of bacterial contamination at the time of embryo transfer, and its impact on the IVF/pregnancy outcome

“…Additionally, it is important to remember that success following in vitro fertilization is related to a variety of factors. Our results are consistent with previous reports [6][7][8][9] which suggest that the presence of bacterial contamination at embryo transfer could be one of the factors influencing the IVF outcome.…”

“…In a previous study, a 50% reduction in pregnancy rate occurred when bacteria were recovered from the tip of the embryo transfer catheter [6][7][8]20]. Of interest is the fact that the dominant microorganisms studied were D. streptococcus, E. coli, S. viridians, Entrococcus, S. epidermidis and H 2 O 2 -producing lactobacilli [6][7][8]. In our study, we found that the presence of endocervical Entrobacteriaceae and staphylococci species in women undergoing IVF treatment is clearly associated with both decreased pregnancy rates and increased abortion rates.…”

“…A decreased live birth rate has been reported in those patients in whom pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the embryo transfer catheter [6][7][8][9]. In our study, we assessed the possible consequences of bacterial contamination of the tip of the catheter at embryo transfer on the IVF treatment outcome.…”

“…In fact, there is growing evidence that bacterial contamination of the uterine cavity following transcervical embryo transfer can negatively affect the implantation rates and the pregnancy outcome. Such contamination can occur during embryo replacement through the tip of the embryo transfer catheter from various vaginal-cervical microorganisms [6][7][8][9]. Antimicrobials in the culture media probably provide little inhibition to the potentially large number of bacteria that could contaminate the embryo transfer catheter when it traverses the cervix.…”

“…The decrease in live birth rate following IVF in women with catheter tip contamination as well as in women with BV, may be caused by decreased conception rates, increased pregnancy loss, or both. Furthermore, studies have shown that pathogenic bacteria cultured from the tip of the catheter produce a detrimental effect on live birth rates [6][7][8][9]. Conversely, recovery of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-producing lactobacilli from the catheter tip appears to be associated with an increased live birth rate [9].…”