The levels of bacterial contamination of the embryo transfer catheter relate negatively to the outcome of embryo transfer

Objective: To determine the prognostic value of presence and level of bacterial contamination on the pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing embryo transfer following IVF/ICSI. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional observational study
Materials and methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing an embryo transfer cycle as a part of their IVF/ ICSI treatment were included. Cervical mucus samples were taken immediately prior to embryo transfer and the tips of the post-transfer catheters were examined for bacterial contamination, and their levels were recorded.
Results: The presences of bacterial contamination in the cervical and catheter tip samples showed a weak correlation between finding gram positive and gram negative bacteria on the cervical sample and the catheter tip. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of bacterial contamination was not significantly associated with the pregnancy rate.
Conclusion(s): The presence of bacterial contamination of catheter tips during embryo transfer is evidently limited, and does not significantly affect the cycle outcomes.

Keywords
Bacterial contamination, Vaginal flora, Embryo transfer, Assisted Reproduction