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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro
Published on: June 21, 2024
[Microorganism contamination in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer system and their sources]
Gui-jin Zhu1, Yu-lan Wei, Juan Hu
1Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Objective:
To investigate the incidence of microorganism contamination in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and to determine the sources of microorganism.
Methods:
Two thousand one hundred and seventy-four cycles of in vitro fertilization from January 1999 to June 2003 were evaluated retrospectively and bacterial cultures were performed in 61 semen samples from asymptomatic men with normal semen parameters and in 34 follicle fluid samples from infertility women through oocyte picking up procedures.
Results:
Microorganisms were found in 11 cases. The incidence of their contamination in IVF culture system was 0.51% and the most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli and fungi. Microorganisms were detected in 97% of unprocessed semen, 10% in processed semen, 6% in semen mixed with media and 9% in follicle fluid.
Conclusions:
The incidence of microorganism contamination was 0.51% and the most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli and fungi. Semen may have the potential to contaminate IVF culture system.
Insights
Microorganism contamination in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) occurred in 0.51% of cycles, primarily due to Escherichia coli and fungi. Semen samples were identified as a potential source of contamination in the IVF culture system.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microbiology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Microorganism contamination poses a risk to the success of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures.
- Identifying the sources of contamination is crucial for improving IVF success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of microorganism contamination in IVF-ET cycles.
- To identify the primary sources of microorganisms contributing to IVF contamination.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2,174 IVF-ET cycles from January 1999 to June 2003.
- Bacterial cultures performed on 61 semen samples from healthy men.
- Bacterial cultures performed on 34 follicle fluid samples from infertile women.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms were detected in 11 cases, with an overall contamination incidence of 0.51% in the IVF culture system.
- Escherichia coli and fungi were the most frequently identified microorganisms.
- High detection rates of microorganisms were observed in unprocessed semen (97%), with lower rates in processed semen (10%) and follicle fluid (9%).
Conclusions:
- The incidence of microorganism contamination in IVF-ET is 0.51%, with Escherichia coli and fungi being the predominant contaminants.
- Semen, particularly unprocessed samples, represents a significant potential source of contamination for IVF culture systems.
- Implementing stringent protocols for semen processing and handling may reduce contamination risks in IVF.
