Is there a risk of cytomegalovirus transmission during in vitro fertilization with donated oocytes?
OBJECTIVE
To define the risk of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) transmission from donated oocytes.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University IVF program.


METHODS
Sixty-seven couples undergoing 72 cycles of IVF-ET.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Serum from both partners (women: n = 71; men: n = 60) was obtained for detection of antibodies to HCMV. Semen before preparation (n = 53), sperm after preparation (Percoll gradient; n = 47), cervical mucus aspirated at the time of oocyte aspiration (n = 70), and uninseminated oocytes and embryos not suitable for cryopreservation (n = 568) were frozen in liquid nitrogen. Polymerase chain reaction was used for detection of HCMV (immediate early 1 gene) in all samples collected.


RESULTS
Serum antibodies to HCMV were found in 62% of the women and 37% of the men tested. Human cytomegalovirus DNA was detected in 25% of the ejaculates and in 19% of the cervical mucus samples. There was no amplification of HCMV DNA from oocytes or embryos.


CONCLUSIONS
Because we were unable to amplify HCMV DNA from any of the oocytes or embryos, it seems unlikely that HCMV is transmissible through oocyte or embryo donation.
Witz
C A
CA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78284-7836, USA. witz@uthscsa.edu
Duan
Y
Y
Burns
W N
WN
Atherton
S S
SS
Schenken
R S
RS
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000821:virology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000821:virology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012661:Semen / Q000821:virology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000821:virology; D014019:Tissue Donors