Male infection: cross-contamination risk management and impact on sperm parameters

Abstract

Chronic viral infections are considered a risk factor for male fertility given their ability to infect semen. Several studies have shown that semen parameters and gamete DNA integrity can be compromised by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. These effects on male fertility are also associated with other types of infection, such as human papillomavirus. To date, European directives for viral screening of couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment requires evaluation only for the three most common infections: HIV, HBV and HCV. In all these cases it is essential that all operators involved in the laboratory are aware of the risk to themselves and to the patients treated, and also of the risk associated with the possibility of cross-contamination with other patients. In IVF centres, specific procedures must be established and respected in the case of serodiscordant couples, in order to guarantee correct management and treatment of biological samples. We can reduce or minimise the risk of cross-contamination by applying specific laboratory protocols for the safe handling of gametes and embryos. This mini review aims to describe the impact of viral infection on sperm and male fertility and the protocols and recommendations for the management of gametes from serodiscordant couples with infectious diseases. KEY WORDS: Serodiscordant, IVF, cross-contamination, procedures, male infertility, sexual transmission, sperm, viruses.