Processing of semen in an antibiotic-rich culture medium to minimize microbial presence during in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and determine the prevalence of microorganisms in preprocessed and postprocessed semen in an IVF-ET program.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University Teaching Hospital.


METHODS
Seventy-four men undergoing preprogram evaluation, each producing two semen samples.


METHODS
Semen processing with a wash and swim-up technique in a penicillin- and streptomycin-rich medium.


METHODS
The identity and prevalence of seminal microorganisms before and after processing.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cottell
E
E
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
Lennon
B
B
McMorrow
J
J
Barry-Kinsella
C
C
Harrison
R F
RF
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003470:Culture Media; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003470:Culture Media