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Microbial contamination in assisted reproductive technology: source, prevalence, and cost

E D Borges1,2, T S Berteli3, T F Reis4

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil. eduardoborgesd@gmail.com.

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|December 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Microbial contamination in in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an underestimated cause of poor outcomes. Addressing contamination and studying the microbiome can improve IVF success rates and patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Science
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science

Background:

  • Microbial contamination is a frequent risk in in vitro fertilization (IVF) facilities, originating from diverse sources including air, personnel, materials, and patient samples.
  • Despite potential risks, contamination events are often underreported, leading to a perception of negligible risk among clinics.
  • Contamination can lead to embryo loss, increased costs, and significant emotional distress for patients undergoing IVF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the underestimated impact of microbial contamination on IVF outcomes.
  • To discuss the role of the microbiome in the reproductive tract and its influence on IVF success.
  • To advocate for improved identification, registration, and reporting of contamination incidents in IVF settings.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on microbial contamination in IVF.
  • The review examines the sources and consequences of contamination within IVF laboratories.
  • It also explores the composition of the human microbiome and its interaction with reproductive health.

Main Results:

  • Microbial contamination is a significant, yet often overlooked, factor contributing to poor IVF results.
  • Patient-derived samples like follicular fluid and semen are common vectors for microbial contaminants.
  • Potential consequences extend beyond embryo loss to include DNA fragmentation, reduced embryo quality, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Clinics should implement more rigorous protocols for identifying, registering, and reporting microbial contamination.
  • Investigating the microbiome of patients seeking fertility treatment is crucial for improving IVF outcomes.
  • Enhanced focus on contamination control and microbiome research can significantly improve the safety and efficacy of assisted reproduction.
Keywords:
Assisted reproductive technologyFollicular fluidIVFMicrobial contaminationMicrobiotaSemen

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