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.
