Importance of semen preparation in avoidance of reduced in vitro fertilization results attributable to bacteria

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Microbiology
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• Semen used in assisted reproductive technologies may harbor microorganisms.
• Pathogenic organisms in semen can be resistant to standard physical processing methods.
• The impact of semen-borne pathogens on oocyte fertilization in IVF is a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic supplementation in eliminating semen-borne organisms during IVF.
• To determine if pathogenic organisms in untreated semen affect oocyte fertilization rates in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Oocyte culture medium was supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin.
• Semen samples were processed for IVF.
• Oocyte fertilization rates were assessed in the presence and absence of antibiotic treatment and pathogenic organisms.

Main Results:

• Supplementation of oocyte culture medium with penicillin and streptomycin resulted in the eradication of 100% of detected organisms.
• The presence of pathogenic organisms in untreated semen was not associated with a reduction in oocyte fertilization rates in vitro.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic supplementation of oocyte culture medium is highly effective in eradicating microorganisms, including resistant pathogenic varieties.
• Pathogenic organisms in semen do not appear to negatively impact oocyte fertilization in vitro when appropriate antibiotic protocols are employed.