SEMINAL AND VAGINAL MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE IN RELATION TO INFECTION DURING EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the influence if any of microbiological profiles of seminal fluid and high vaginal flora obtained during preparation for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on infections of embryo culture material. Materials and Methods: Couples undergoing ART between April 2003 and April 2006 (n=243) were assessed by seminal (n=232) and high vaginal cultures (n=282). Infections were treated as per antibiotic profiles. Routine procedures for follicular development, ovum retrieval and insemination were performed. During embryo culture if bacterial infection was noted by medium turbidity and direct microscopic observation embryo isolation from the infected medium was attempted by repeated washing. Suitable embryos were replaced in utero. Results: Seminal pathogens grew in 37.86% (n=87) and vaginal pathogens were present in 30.7% (n=70). Infection in embryo culture medium occurred in 4.15% (n=10). Prior seminal infection was noted in 60% (n=06) while vaginal infection occurred in 40% (n=04). In the embryo culture medium 20% (n=5) had Escherichia coli while 20% (n=2) grew Pseudomonas aeruginos. One each of the subjects had Klebsiella, conforms and Staphylococcus aerogenosa. The organism matched those in the pre ART seminal and vaginal cultures in 50% (n=5) cases. Embryo replacement was possible in 60% (n=06) while in the rest embryo demise occurred. Conclusions: Selective antibiotic therapy in male and female genital tract infection was in effective in a small proportion of cases in the prevention of infection during embryo growth. This pre ART procedure however was an effective way of predicting the potential organism which could cause embryo infection.