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Published on: May 9, 2021
Associations between microbial presence in follicular fluid with IVF outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Shanshan Ou1, Ming Liao1, Lanyu Cui2
1Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
Purpose:
The aim of the study was to synthesize disparate studies to investigate potential impact of microbial presence in FF of infertile women on IVF outcomes.
Methods:
Following preliminary searches to find medical subject heading (MeSH) terms plus free terms, a systematic search was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from January 10, 2022, to July 5, 2023. Data collected for each study were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software available on the Cochrane website.
Results:
After correcting for contamination from the vagina, the FFs of 289 women were detected positively by microbial culture and identification, ELISA, and IPA. The pregnancy rate of the FF-positive group was significantly lower than the FF-negative group (19.7% vs. 32.2%) and (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.28-1.14, P=0.11; I2=56%) while the fertilization rate was almost equal (60.0% vs. 62.0%) and (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.88-1.20, P=0.72; I2=0%). Evidence quality was very low.
Conclusions:
The different species of microorganisms in FF of infertile women may have different effects on IVF outcomes. The Lactobacillus spp. may have a positive effect, while other microorganisms may have the opposite effect.
Insights
Microbial presence in female (FF) of infertile women negatively impacts outcomes, reducing pregnancy rates. However, rates remain similar, suggesting specific species may influence success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microbiology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Microbial presence in the female (FF) is increasingly recognized as a potential factor influencing outcomes in infertile women.
- Understanding the specific impact of microorganisms within the FF is crucial for improving treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Different microbial species in FF may exert varying effects on outcomes.
- Lactobacillus species may have a beneficial impact, whereas other microorganisms might negatively influence success.
- Further high-quality research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of different microbes in FF and their precise impact on outcomes.
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