[Microorganism contamination in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer system and their sources].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of microorganism contamination in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and to determine the sources of microorganism.


METHODS
Two thousand one hundred and seventy-four cycles of in vitro fertilization from January 1999 to June 2003 were evaluated retrospectively and bacterial cultures were performed in 61 semen samples from asymptomatic men with normal semen parameters and in 34 follicle fluid samples from infertility women through oocyte picking up procedures.


RESULTS
Microorganisms were found in 11 cases. The incidence of their contamination in IVF culture system was 0.51% and the most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli and fungi. Microorganisms were detected in 97% of unprocessed semen, 10% in processed semen, 6% in semen mixed with media and 9% in follicle fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of microorganism contamination was 0.51% and the most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli and fungi. Semen may have the potential to contaminate IVF culture system.
Reproductive Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Gui-jin
GJ
Zhu
Yu-lan
YL
Wei
Juan
J
Hu
Qun
Q
Liu
D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000382:microbiology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009865:Oocytes / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic