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Microbial contamination of embryo cultures in an ART laboratory: sources and management

Peter M M Kastrop1, Lia A M de Graaf-Miltenburg, Dagmar R Gutknecht

  • 1Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. p.kastrop@umcutrecht.nl

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|June 23, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) prevents microbial contamination in in vitro fertilization (IVF) culture dishes. Infections, primarily by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Candida species, occur in standard IVF cultures.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

  • Microbial contamination of culture dishes is a rare but recurring issue in IVF/ICSI programs.
  • An increase in infections was noted despite stringent conditions and antibiotic-containing media.
  • This study investigated 95 cases of contaminated culture dishes to identify root causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the causes of microbial contamination in IVF/ICSI culture dishes.
  • To determine the types of microorganisms involved and their antibiotic resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of IVF/ICSI treatment cycles.
  • Evaluation of microorganisms isolated from contaminated culture dishes.

Main Results:

  • Contamination occurred exclusively in standard IVF dishes, not after ICSI.
  • Escherichia coli (58.9%) and Candida species (25.3%) were the primary contaminants.
  • High resistance rates to antibiotics were observed in E. coli (73.2% to both, 23.2% to one) and other bacteria (61.4% to both, 30% to one).

Conclusions:

  • ICSI effectively prevents microbial colonization of culture dishes.
  • IVF culture dish infections are mainly caused by antibiotic-insensitive bacteria (E. coli) or Candida species.
  • Candida species, common in the vaginal flora, contribute significantly to yeast contamination.

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