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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 9/2007

01-09-2007 | Assisted Reproduction

Examination of bacterial contamination at the time of embryo transfer, and its impact on the IVF/pregnancy outcome

Authors: Helmy Selman, Monica Mariani, Nicoletta Barnocchi, Antonella Mencacci, Francesco Bistoni, Saverio Arena, Silvana Pizzasegale, Gian Francesco Brusco, Antonio Angelini

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 9/2007

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Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to examine the effect of bacterial contamination on in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes.

Method

In a prospective clinical trial, 152 patients aged 23–38 years, mean 33.3 ± 4.6, undergoing IVF treatment were selected for this study. During embryo transfer, separate samples were collected for microbial examination from the following sites: the fundus of the vagina, the cervix, the embryo culture medium prior and post-embryo transfer, the tip of the catheter, and the external sheet. All the samples were separately cultured to identify any bacteria or yeast present.

Results

Pregnancy rates in patients testing positive for Entrobacteriaceae (22.2% versus 51%) and Staphylococcus species (17.6% versus 44%) were significantly lower than those in the negative culture group (p < 0.001). The pregnancy rates do not seem to be affected by the other isolated microorganisms.

Conclusion

This study shows that the presence of vaginal–cervical microbial contamination at the time of embryo transfer is associated with significantly decreased pregnancy rates.
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Metadata
Title
Examination of bacterial contamination at the time of embryo transfer, and its impact on the IVF/pregnancy outcome
Authors
Helmy Selman
Monica Mariani
Nicoletta Barnocchi
Antonella Mencacci
Francesco Bistoni
Saverio Arena
Silvana Pizzasegale
Gian Francesco Brusco
Antonio Angelini
Publication date
01-09-2007
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 9/2007
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-007-9146-5

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