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

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.