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An unexpected guest in follicular fluid
A J Goverde1, R Schats, P J van Berlo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Parasitic infections are rarely a cause of infertility in Caucasian women. This case report details the unexpected discovery of microfilariae in follicular fluid during in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Parasitic infections are an uncommon cause of infertility, particularly in Caucasian populations.
- Infertility can stem from various factors, including tubal pathology from Chlamydia trachomatis infections.
- Increased global travel may lead to a rise in parasitic infections among Western populations.
Observation:
- A case report identified moving microfilariae of Mansonella perstans in aspirated follicular fluid.
- The patient was undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) due to tubal pathology.
- The patient also presented with a concurrent Schistosoma infection.
Findings:
- The presence of parasites, specifically microfilariae, within human follicular fluid is a novel finding.
- This represents the first reported instance of parasites detected in follicular fluid.
- The microfilariae were identified as Mansonella perstans.
Implications:
- Infertility specialists may encounter parasitic infections more frequently in their practice.
- This includes patients from non-tropical regions who have traveled to endemic areas.
- Awareness and diagnostic considerations for parasitic infections in infertile patients should be heightened.