Development and validation of protocol for HIV-1 detection in washed sperm before medically assisted procreation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Russian Ministry of Health regulations (since 2013) permit assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for HIV-discordant couples.
• This policy increases the risk of nosocomial HIV transmission within fertility clinics.
• Protecting mother and child from HIV infection is a critical public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a reliable method for detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in washed sperm.
• To mitigate the risk of HIV transmission during ART procedures for serodiscordant couples.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel diagnostic assay for HIV detection.
• Validation of the assay using washed sperm samples.
• Implementation of the method in clinical settings to screen sperm.

Main Results:

• The developed method demonstrated efficacy in detecting HIV in washed sperm.
• Successful validation indicates the method's reliability for clinical application.
• The assay provides a crucial tool for risk management in ART for HIV-discordant couples.

Conclusions:

• The validated HIV detection method in washed sperm is essential for safe ART practices.
• This innovation supports the ethical and safe application of ART for HIV-discordant couples in Russia.
• The method aids in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and enhances patient safety in fertility treatments.