An evaluation of semen processing methods for eliminating HIV-1.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Artificial insemination is a method for HIV-1 discordant couples, but its safety is uncertain due to limited data on sperm washing techniques.
• Current sperm washing techniques need evaluation for their efficacy in eliminating Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA and proviral DNA from semen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of sperm washing techniques in eliminating HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA from semen.
• To determine if these techniques provide adequate protection for HIV-1 discordant couples undergoing artificial insemination.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples from HIV-1 positive patients with hemophilia were processed using discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation and the 'swim-up' method.
• Highly sensitive PCR was used to measure HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA. Experiments also involved adding HIV-1 RNA to semen from healthy donors to test single and combined procedures.

Main Results:

• Swim-up processing after Percoll gradient centrifugation rendered HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA undetectable in original semen specimens.
• While Percoll gradient centrifugation alone reduced HIV-1 RNA, the discontinuous method left detectable levels in 8% of patient samples.
• The addition of the swim-up procedure successfully reduced HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA to undetectable levels in all tested samples.

Conclusions:

• Swim-up separation combined with Percoll gradient centrifugation effectively eliminates HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA from semen.
• This combined sperm washing technique should provide adequate protection for HIV-1 discordant couples seeking assisted reproduction.