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Processing of semen in an antibiotic-rich culture medium to minimize microbial presence during in vitro fertilization
E Cottell1, B Lennon, J McMorrow
1Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
Objective:
To identify and determine the prevalence of microorganisms in preprocessed and postprocessed semen in an IVF-ET program.
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
University Teaching Hospital.
Patient(S):
Seventy-four men undergoing preprogram evaluation, each producing two semen samples.
Intervention(S):
Semen processing with a wash and swim-up technique in a penicillin- and streptomycin-rich medium.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
The identity and prevalence of seminal microorganisms before and after processing.
Result(S):
Sixty-three percent of individual unprocessed semen samples grew microorganisms, the majority of which were nonpathogenic. Thirty-three men (44.6%) had microbes identified in repeat samples, four had identical organisms each time. Twenty (27%) had positive cultures in one sample, negative in the other. Twenty-one (28.4%) had consistently sterile semen. After seminal processing, the recovery rate for microbes was 5%. Microbial presence after processing did not correlate with either the sperm swim-up concentration or the initial microbial concentration.
Conclusion(S):
Bacteriospermia is common. The microorganisms found rarely are replicated and most likely represent contamination. Wash and swim-up semen preparation in an antibiotic rich culture medium effectively eliminates 95% of organisms.
Insights
Bacteriospermia, or microorganisms in semen, is common but often due to contamination. Semen processing effectively removes 95% of these microbes, ensuring sample quality for IVF-ET programs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Microbiology
- In Vitro Fertilization
Background:
- Bacteriospermia is frequently observed in semen samples.
- The origin of microorganisms in semen, whether pathogenic or contaminants, requires clarification.
- Understanding microbial presence is crucial for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify microorganisms in semen before and after processing.
- To determine the prevalence of bacteriospermia in men undergoing evaluation for IVF-ET.
- To assess the efficacy of semen processing techniques in reducing microbial load.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted at a University Teaching Hospital.
- Seventy-four men provided two semen samples each for analysis.
- Semen processing involved a wash and swim-up technique in an antibiotic-rich medium.
Main Results:
- 63% of unprocessed semen samples showed microbial growth, predominantly nonpathogenic organisms.
- After processing, the microbial recovery rate dropped significantly to 5%.
- Microbial presence post-processing did not impact sperm concentration or initial microbial load.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriospermia is common, with most identified microorganisms likely representing contamination.
- The wash and swim-up semen preparation effectively eliminates 95% of seminal microorganisms.
- This processing method enhances semen quality for IVF-ET by reducing microbial contamination.