Cytomegalovirus detection in cryopreserved semen samples collected for therapeutic donor insemination

The presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in semen was retrospectively evaluated in 178 cryopreserved semen samples obtained from 97 donors recruited by two sperm banks. Thirty-three (34.0%) donors were CMV-seronegative, 51 (52.6%) were CMV-seropositive and 13 (13.4%) had an unknown serological status. CMV was detected in sperm specimens by cell culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CMV was detected in five (2.8%) samples from two (2.0%) donors by cell culture and in 10 samples (5.6%) from five donors (5.1%) by PCR; all the samples which were positive by cell culture were also positive by PCR. Our data indicate that cryopreserved semen specimens obtained from healthy volunteer donors represent a potential source of CMV infection through therapeutic donor insemination. PCR, which is more sensitive than cell culture, should be used for direct and rapid identification of CMV in semen samples collected from volunteer donors. CMV detection in semen by PCR could be advantageously compared to CMV-antibody tests in serum which are only indicative of a former CMV infection.