Abstract:
To determine the role of microbiological profiles of seminal fluid and high vaginal
flora obtained during preparation for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) op infections of
embryo culture material. Material and method: couples undergoing ART between April 2003
and April 2006 (n=243) were assessed by seminal (n=232) and high vaginal cultures (n=282).
Those subjects with 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: Pathogens were grown from seminal fluid samples 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
50% (n=06) while in the rest embryo demise occurred. Conclusions: Selective antibiotic
•nerapy in male and female genital tract infection was in effective in a small proportion of cases
r 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.
