Studies of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) for HIV-1-discordant couples using washed sperm and the nested PCR method: a comparison of the pregnancy rates in HIV-1-discordant couples and control couples
Kashima, K.; Takakuwa, K.; Suzuki, M.; Makino, M.; Kaneko, S.; Kato, S.; Hanabusa, H.; Tanaka, K.
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases 62(3): 173-176
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1344-6304 PMID: 19468174 Document Number: 207308
In this study, the efficacy and safety of assisted reproduction techniques with the sperm-washing method and nested PCR assay were evaluated in HIV-1-discordant couples, as many HIV-1-positive people of reproductive age are getting married and wish to have children safely. Twenty-seven HIV-1-discordant couples (husband, positive; wife, negative) were enrolled in this study. The spermatozoa were separated from semen samples by density gradient centrifugation and the swim-up method. HIV-1 RNA and proviral DNA were checked using nested PCR with a detection limit of one copy before fertilization and before embryo transfer. Clinical outcomes were compared with those of matched control couples. Thirty-eight cycles of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection were performed in HIV-1-discordant couples, where the pregnancy rates per embryo transfer and per couple were 60.6 and 63.0%, respectively. These rates were significantly higher than those in control couples (P<0.05). Furthermore, all of the females and babies remained HIV-1 negative throughout the study period. Our data strongly suggest that this technique will allow HIV-1-discordant couples to conceive more safely and effectively.