In vitro fertilization outcomes after transfer of embryos contaminated with yeast

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine
• Embryology
• Microbiology in ART

Background:

• Embryo culture medium quality is critical for successful in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Microbial contamination, including yeast, can potentially impact embryo development and IVF outcomes.
• Understanding the clinical significance of yeast contamination is essential for ART protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between yeast contamination in embryo culture medium and embryo developmental competency.
• To determine if yeast contamination necessitates the cancellation of embryo transfer (ET).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, matched-pair study design.
• Analysis of yeast presence in embryo culture medium.
• Assessment of embryo developmental competency.
• Correlation with live birth rates after embryo transfer.

Main Results:

• A trend toward decreased embryo developmental competency was observed in the presence of yeast.
• This trend was more pronounced when yeast contamination was detected early in the culture period.
• Live births were achieved following the transfer of embryos cultured in yeast-contaminated medium.

Conclusions:

• Yeast contamination in embryo culture medium may be associated with reduced embryo development.
• Yeast contamination alone should not be considered an absolute contraindication for embryo transfer (ET).
• Further research may explore specific interventions to mitigate the effects of yeast contamination.