ICSI for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus-serodiscordant couples with infected male partner.

BACKGROUND

Assisted reproductive technology with semen washing can offer a significant reduction in risk of sexual and vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in serodiscordant couples with infected male partner.

METHODS

Among couples coming to our centre for reproductive problems from January 2001 to December 2003, we selected 43 couples with seropositive male and seronegative female: 25 couples with HIV-seropositive males, 10 couples with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-seropositive males and eight couples with HCV-seropositive males. Sperm samples were washed and used for ICSI.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight cycles of ICSI were performed. The mean fertilization rate was 70.34 +/- 20.14% (mean +/- SD). A mean number of 3.55 +/- 1.11 (range: 1-5) embryos of good quality was transferred for each patient. We obtained 22 pregnancies (21 singletons and one twin), with a pregnancy rate per transfer of 28.2% and an implantation rate per transfer of 15.2%. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 51.2%. At follow-up, no seroconversion was detected in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that sperm wash and ICSI could be useful for reducing the risk of HIV and/or HCV transmission in serodiscordant couples with infected male wishing to have a child, irrespective of their fertility status.