Excretion of lumpy skin disease virus in bull semen

This work was done to establish the incidence and duration of excretion of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) in semen of experimentally infected susceptible bulls. Six serologically negative bulls 11-20 months of age were experimentally infected with a virulent field isolate (strain V248/93) of LSDV. Animals were observed for the development of clinical signs, blood was collected until day 90 after infection, and semen was collected every second day until day 18, then twice a week till day 63 and twice a month until three consecutive samples were negative when tested for LSDV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An aliquot of each sample which tested positive using PCR was inoculated onto cell monolayers for the recovery of virus. Two bulls developed severe lumpy skin disease (LSD), two bulls showed mild signs and two bulls showed a transient fever only. Multiple samples were positive on PCR from both of the severely affected bulls and one of the mildly affected bulls; between days 10 and 159, days 8 and 132, and days 10 and 21 respectively. Only one sample from each of the other three bulls was positive on PCR. Virus was only isolated from two samples from one of the severely affected bulls and from five semen samples from the other. This study confirmed the excretion of LSDV in bovine semen for prolonged periods, even when obvious clinical signs of the disease were no longer apparent.

Semen-specific genetic characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 env

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the male genital tract may comprise virus produced locally in addition to virus transported from the circulation. Virus produced in the male genital tract may be genetically distinct, due to tissue-specific cellular characteristics and immunological pressures. HIV-1 env sequences derived from paired blood and semen samples from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database were analyzed to ascertain a male genital tract-specific viral signature. Machine learning algorithms could predict seminal tropism based on env sequences with accuracies exceeding 90%, suggesting that a strong genetic signature does exist for virus replicating in the male genital tract. Additionally, semen-derived viral populations exhibited constrained diversity (P < 0.05), decreased levels of positive selection (P < 0.025), decreased CXCR4 coreceptor utilization, and altered glycosylation patterns. Our analysis suggests that the male genital tract represents a distinct selective environment that contributes to the apparent genetic bottlenecks associated with the sexual transmission of HIV-1.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in the boar: a review

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is caused by PRRS virus, which, like other members of the Arterividae family, has the ability to infect macrophages and to persist in tissues for at least several months after the acute stage of infection subsides. As a consequence, PRRS has a complex epidemiologic profile and has been especially difficult to control under the usual conditions of commercial swine production. Although vaccines are commonly used, vaccination is only one of several approaches to be considered in designing a control strategy. At least equally important are procedures developed on the basis of a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of the disease. The objective of this review is to summarize current knowledge in relation to PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection in the boar. The information available related to this topic will be summarized and discussed, and the implications for the control of the condition highlighted. The main emphasis will be on questions about the pathogenesis of infection, including duration of viremia and the origin of PRRSV found in semen; the clinical signs associated with the disease, paying special attention to the effects on seminal quality; the epidemiology of the condition, with special emphasis on the duration of PRRSV shedding in semen and the implications that this may have on venereal transmission, as well as the role that other potential routes of shedding may have on the dissemination of PRRSV.

Identification of pig circovirus type 2 in New Zealand pigs

Interest in porcine circovirus has been stimulated by the recent emergence of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs and the potential use of pig organs for xenotransplantation in humans. Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is considered to be widespread in pigs but nonpathogenic. Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a similar virus but has been differentiated only recently as a separate type. High tissue concentrations of PCV2 are associated with lesions in PMWS cases, but the etiological role of this agent in the disease remains unclear. The presence of PCV1 in New Zealand pigs has been previously reported based on serological data. PMWS has been recently recorded in New Zealand pigs. The epidemiology of PCV2 in New Zealand pigs has not been examined. The purpose of the study was to look for evidence of circoviruses in New Zealand pig herds. Pig circovirus DNA was sought in various tissues using the polymerase chain reaction. Circovirus type 2 was found in New Zealand pig herds, without any evidence that PMWS has ever occurred in these herds. Newborn piglets were shown to have infection, suggesting vertical transmission of the virus.

Detection of U.S., Lelystad, and European-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses and relative quantitation in boar semen and serum samples by real-time PCR

Transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) via boar semen has been documented. Since semen is widely disseminated for artificial insemination and the virus can cause significant health and economic consequences, it is essential to have well-validated, rapid diagnostic techniques to detect and quantitate the virus for diagnostic and research purposes. Previously, boar semen was tested by a nested PCR (nPCR) assay which was compared to the "gold standard" swine bioassay. A correlation of 94% was observed, indicating that, most of the time, PCR detected infectious virus. Subsequently, a real-time PCR targeting the 3' untranslated region of the PRRSV genome was compared with nPCR by testing 413 serum and semen samples from PRRSV-inoculated and control boars. There was 95% agreement between the results of the two tests, with the majority of samples with discordant results containing virus at the lower range of detection by the assays. The virus in all samples was quantitated by using a standard curve obtained by serial dilution of an in vitro transcript. By using the in vitro transcript, the lower limit of sensitivity was observed to be approximately 33 copies/ml. Reactivity with a panel of more than 100 PRRSV isolates from various geographical regions in the United States was also documented. No reactivity with nine nonrelated swine viruses was noted. A real-time PCR was also developed for the detection of the European Lelystad virus and the European-like PRRSV now found in the United States. In six of six PRRSV-inoculated boars, peak levels of viremia occurred at 5 days postinoculation (DPI) and were most consistently detectable throughout 22 DPI. In five of six boars, PRRSV was shed in semen for 0 to 2 days during the first 10 DPI; however, one of six boars shed the virus in semen through 32 DPI. Therefore, in general, the concentration and duration of PRRSV shedding in semen did not correlate with the quantity or duration of virus in serum. These differences warrant further studies into the factors that prevent viral replication in the reproductive tract.

Semen parameters of a semen donor before and after infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1: Case report

Semen samples from a donor who seroconverted for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during the period that he was donating at our clinic were stored before and after infection. Semen analysis was done on all of these samples before cryopreservation. Retrospectively, both qualitative and quantitative HIV-1 testing was performed on the cryopreserved semen samples to determine the time of primary HIV-1 infection. After HIV-1 infection, semen volume, sperm motility and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology were reduced compared with the same parameters before HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 RNA was intermittently detectable in semen. HIV-1 infection led to a reduction in semen volume, sperm motility and normal sperm morphology in this donor. However, the clinical significance of these findings is unclear. A longitudinal cohort study on the effects of HIV-1 infection on semen quality is necessary to confirm these findings.

HIV viral shedding in semen: lack of correlation with systemic virus-specific CD8 responses

Semen is a major transmission vector for HIV. Virus-specific CD8 T cells are critical in HIV control, but their relationship with semen viral load is unknown. We therefore examined the association between systemic HIV-specific IFN-gamma CD8 responses and viral load in the semen and blood of HIV-infected men. No correlation was observed between viral load in either semen or blood and systemic CD8 T-cell responses. Further studies of immune correlates of semen HIV shedding are needed.

Multiple V1/V2 env variants are frequently present during primary infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exists as a complex population of multiple genotypic variants in persons with chronic infection. However, acute HIV-1 infection via sexual transmission is a low-probability event in which there is thought to be low genetic complexity in the initial inoculum. In order to assess the viral complexity present during primary HIV-1 infection, the V1/V2 and V3 variable regions of the env gene were examined by using a heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) capable of resolving these genotypic variants. Blood plasma samples from 26 primary HIV-1-infected subjects were analyzed for their level of diversity. Half of the subjects had more than one V1/V2 viral variant during primary infection, indicating the frequent transmission of multiple variants. This observation is inconsistent with the idea of infrequent transmission based on a small transmitting inoculum of cell-free virus. In chronically infected subjects, the complexity of the viral populations was even greater in both the V1/V2 and the V3 regions than in acutely infected subjects, indicating that in spite of the presence of multiple variants in acute infection, the virus does pass through a genetic bottleneck during transmission. We also examined how well the infecting virus penetrated different anatomical compartments by using the HTA. Viral variants detected in blood plasma were compared to those detected in seminal plasma and/or cerebral spinal fluid of six individuals. The virus in each of these compartments was to a large extent identical to virus in blood plasma, a finding consistent with rapid penetration of the infecting variant(s). The low-probability transmission of multiple variants could be the result of transient periods of hyperinfectiousness or hypersusceptibility. Alternatively, the inefficient transfer of a multiply infected cell could account for both the low probability of transmission and the transfer of multiple variants.

Persistent HIV type 1 infection in semen and blood compartments in patients after long-term potent antiretroviral therapy

HIV-1 RNA levels in semen and blood compartments decrease below detection limits during highly active antiretroviral therapy. Despite these therapeutic effects, it is clear that persistent, latent HIV-1 reservoirs are capable of rebounding in the absence of drug treatment or by evolution of escape mutants remain. The current study was designed to examine the presence of latent virus in semen and blood compartments and its evolution following potent combination therapy with indinavir (protease inhibitor) and efavirenz [nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor]. Using an ultrasensitive in situ hybridization assay HIV-1 mRNA was detected in cultured seminal and blood mononuclear cells in all patients up to 1789 days posttherapy. Higher levels of HIV-1 mRNA were consistently detected in seminal mononuclear cells as compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in all time points analyzed posttherapy. Analysis of viral RNA from cultured PBMC before and after therapy displayed no evidence of therapy-induced drug resistance in the viral polymerase gene in the majority of patients. However, distinct envelope populations were detected in these viral RNA populations following therapy, indicating possible selection of quasispecies. The observed ongoing replication and evolution in the PBMC viral envelope sequences likely occurred in the seminal compartment HIV populations, given that the seminal cells showed the ability to express HIV-1 mRNA following cultivation. This together with our previous studies (Gupta P, et al.: J Infect Dis 2000;182:79-87) suggest that the genital and blood compartments likely serve as distinct reservoirs harboring latent HIV-1 during prolonged drug therapy.

Report of the results of a 2 year programme of sperm wash and ICSI treatment for human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus serodiscordant couples

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serodiscordant couples with the male infected can be helped to have children minimizing the transmission risk. Our aim was to evaluate the results of our assisted reproduction programme for these couples and to develop adequate strategies for their management.

METHODS

Members of serodiscordant couples: (i) HIV positive males attending our centre for sperm wash and assisted reproduction and (ii) HCV positive males needing assisted reproduction for infertility provided 134 semen samples for sperm wash. Before ICSI treatment, semen was confirmed to be negative for viral presence by reverse transcription and nested PCR after the sperm wash.

RESULTS

Sperm washes were effective in 90% of the samples. Regardless of the type of infection, no differences were found in semen quality, embryos obtained and pregnancy rates (40-48% per cycle). To date, 41 pregnancies and 23 newborns were obtained. Fertilization rates were lower in HCV than in HIV serodiscordant couples (59.3+/-5.3% versus 72.0+/-8.1%), probably because they were infertile couples for whom we recommended sperm wash and PCR. No seroconversion was detected in the patients' follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, sperm wash, nested PCR and ICSI is a safe and effective procedure that avoids HIV and HCV transmission with reasonable pregnancy rates, and is cost-effective.

Detection of high-risk HPV DNA in semen and its association with the quality of semen

The effects of seminal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA were assessed on the quality of semen. Semen samples of 65 men participating in the ongoing Finnish HPV Family Study were collected. Semen analyses were done by the guidelines of the Nordic Association for Andrology. HPV DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by Southern blot hybridization for high-risk types. Altogether, 10/65 men (15.4%) had high-risk HPV DNA positive semen sample. Seminal high-risk HPV DNA did not affect semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and vitality of spermatozoa. However, semen pH was borderline lower in HPV DNA positive than negative samples (7.4 vs 7.5). Neither oligo- nor asthenozoospermia was associated with seminal HPV DNA. In conclusion, seminal high-risk HPV DNA was detected in 15% of men. It did not affect the semen analysis, except semen pH by borderline significance. Sperm donors have not been tested for HPV infections, sperm washing does not seem to eliminate the risk of HPV transmission and the consequences of HPV in the semen are at present unknown.

[Search for HHV-8 associated diseases reservoir and spread paths of HHV-8 in Russia]

Summarized in the paper are study results of human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) and of its association with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The data obtained denotes that the share of individuals producing the antibodies to HHV-8 in a majority of studied patients was low and ranged form 0 to 5.5%, which is indicative of a low degree of the virus spread in population. At the same time, a high share of persons with antibodies to HHV-8 was detected among HIV-infected homosexuals (71.4%), kidney recipients (26.0%) and among AIDS-KS patients (78.6%). It was also unexpectedly high among patients with T- and B-cell lymphomas (50%), encephalopathy (27.3%) and with stomach cancer (41.8%): the appropriate parameters were 7-12-fold higher versus healthy subjects. The HHV-8 markers, i.e. virus specific antibodies and/or nucleotide sequences of the virus, were detected in blood serum and ejaculate of a significant number of patients with different pathologies of the prostate. Such detection of viral markers in the above categories of patients is suggestive of that sexual contacts with such patients are decisive for the HHV-8 spread in population.

Detection of economically important viruses in boar semen by quantitative RealTime PCR technology

The objective of this study was to develop quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (ReTi-PCR) tests for the detection of five economically important viruses in swine semen namely, pseudorabies virus (PRV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Each ReTi-PCR test was validated for specificity, analytical sensitivity (detection limits), and experimental infection studies were performed to compare the conventional virus isolation methods with the newly developed ReTi-PCR tests.

All five developed ReTi-PCR tests are very rapid compared to virus isolation, highly specific, and even more sensitive (lower detection limits) than conventional virus isolation methods for the detection of mentioned viruses in semen. In semen of experimentally infected boars, viruses were detected much earlier after infection and more frequently by ReTi-PCR tests than by virus isolations. The high throughput of these rapid ReTi-PCR tests makes it possible to screen large number of semen samples for the presence of viruses prior to insemination. This is a substantial advantage, in particular for boar semen the quality of which deteriorates quickly after storage.

In general, the newly developed ReTi-PCR tests are valuable tools for the early, reliable and rapid detection of five economically important viruses, namely PRV, CSFV, FMDV, SVDV, and PRRSV in boar semen. These ReTi-PCR tests will improve the control of viral diseases transmitted via semen.

Transmission risk of hepatitis C virus via semen during assisted reproduction: how real is it?

The risk of viral transmissibility in assisted reproduction is still a much-debated issue, especially for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a common causative agent for parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis. In addition, it has been incriminated in other routes of transmission, including sexual transmission and nosocomial infections. The management of infertility, in association with HCV, has sparked debates about the potential risk of spread of infection to virus-free individuals, embryos and/or semen. The lack of worldwide-accepted screening policies has helped to fuel this debate. Today, it is evident that there is a potential risk of spread of HCV through biological fluids, including semen, to other individuals. This risk can only be marginalized by the use of well-established criteria for safety in infertility centres, and by the use of proper initial detection and segregation of potentially hazardous materials. Techniques and protocols have been established to help the andrologist and embryologist to safeguard patients against such dangers, and should be imposed in all centres, allowing HCV-positive males to enter their assisted reproduction programmes.

HIV and sexually transmitted diseases: lethal synergy

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can increase risk for acquisition and transmission of HIV via a number of mechanisms, including breaching of mechanical barriers to infection, increased inflammation and higher levels of HIV cellular targets, and increased genital tract HIV levels. Studies in Malawi clinic populations indicate that treatment of STDs can reduce genital tract HIV levels. Work in Africa and India has indicated that genital herpes infection is associated with increased risk of acquisition of HIV and that presence of genital ulcer disease is associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV disease. Acute HIV infection has been found to be more frequent in individuals with active STDs, and co-transmission may be a common phenomenon. Acute HIV infection, which is not currently routinely diagnosed, is associated with increased risk of transmission. Greater efforts are needed in identifying acute HIV infection in STD clinics. This article summarizes a presentation by Myron S. Cohen, MD, at the International AIDS Society-USA course in Chicago in May.

The prostate as a reservoir for HIV-1

As the prostate can harbor bacterial and fungal pathogens, it was investigated as a reservoir for HIV. Nine men chronically infected with HIV participated in a crossover trial in which weekly semen samples were collected with and without previous prostate massage (PM). Six of the nine participants had undetectable seminal plasma(SP) HIV RNA in all samples without previous PM, but had detectable SP HIV RNA (> 25 copies/ml) in one to three samples collected after PM.

Differences between semen and plasma of nucleoside reverse transcriptase resistance mutations in HIV-infected patients, using a rapid assay

The emergence of HIV-resistant strains generally occurs during treatment failure. A high rate of viral replication, low patient adherence to therapy, poor drug absorption or increased drug metabolism may be related to treatment failure and favour the onset of resistance. Recently, despite the absence of detectable HIV viral load in plasma, the importance of the persistence of HIV replication in other reservoirs has been underlined. Paired semen and plasma specimens stored from HIV male patients were tested using the LiPA assay, detecting genotype mutations related to Nucleoside Reverse Transciptase Inhibitors (NRTI) resistance. Overall, 32 paired semen and plasma samples were analyzed. The presence of HIVsequences was determined in 13 paired specimens (40.6%). Sixteen semen and 10 plasma specimens failed to amplify. At least one mutation was identified in the plasma of 77.8% of treated and 50.0% of naive patients. Similarly, mutations were identified in the semen of 66.7% of treated and 50.0% of untreated patients. Different mutation patterns between the two compartments were found in 46.2% of patients. The use of rapid assessment of HIV resistance in plasma and semen may be useful in some situations, such as HIV infection transmitted by sexual contact. Our data reinforce the evidence that, regarding HIV replication, the male genital tract must be considered as a separate compartment from the plasma.

Validation of safety procedures for the cryopreservation of semen contaminated with hepatitis C virus in assisted reproductive technology

BACKGROUND

In France, assisted reproductive technologies involving a hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected man requires the cryopreservation of potentially infected semen (in order to establish the presence of HCV), hence the need for a safe and secure storage system. We evaluated the safety of high-security straws for the conservation of semen containing HCV RNA under routine conditions.

METHODS

Ionomeric resin (IR) straws were filled with seminal plasma spiked with different concentrations of HCV RNA and sealed using a thermo-solder. After a 4% sodium hypochlorite treatment and/or cryopreservation for 7 days in liquid nitrogen, the outside ends of each straw were rinsed with RNAse-free water.

RESULTS

No HCV RNA could be detected in any of the water samples. Additional samples included the rinsing water from straws sealed by thermo-solder and from the heating wire used to cut the end of straws containing HCV-positive semen. The latter samples were found positive for both HCV RNA and the protamine-2 gene expressed by spermatozoa.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the safety of IR straws, the filling system and the thermo-solder for cryopreservation of semen containing HCV in liquid nitrogen. Decontamination of the straw after sealing and the use of disposable scissors to open the straws are strongly recommended.

Higher concentration of HIV RNA in rectal mucosa secretions than in blood and seminal plasma, among men who have sex with men, independent of antiretroviral therapy

High levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rectal secretions and semen likely increase the risk of HIV transmission. HIV-infected men who have sex with men made 2-3 study visits, over 4 weeks, to assess rectal, seminal, and plasma levels of HIV RNA. Mixed-effects models estimated the effect of factors on HIV shedding. Twenty-seven (42%) of 64 men were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART); regardless of ART use, median HIV RNA levels were higher in rectal secretions (4.96 log(10) copies/mL) than in blood plasma (4.24 log(10) copies/mL) or seminal plasma (3.55 log(10) copies/mL; P<.05, each comparison). ART was associated with a 1.3-log(10) reduction in rectal HIV RNA in a model without plasma HIV RNA; with and without plasma RNA in models, ART accounted for a >1-log(10) decrease in seminal HIV RNA levels. Thus, controlling for plasma HIV RNA, ART had an independent effect on seminal, but not rectal, HIV levels.

Mumps epididymo-orchitis with prolonged detection of virus in semen and the development of anti-sperm antibodies

Epididymo-orchitis is the most common complication of mumps in post-pubertal men. A case of MMR vaccine failure, in whom mumps and mumps-associated unilateral epididymo-orchitis developed, is presented in this article. Mumps virus was isolated from the semen 14 days after onset and mumps RNA was detected in semen for up to 40 days using RT-PCR. Epididymo-orchitis was associated with transient but significant reduction in sperm count and severe abnormalities in sperm morphology. It also led to the appearance of anti-sperm antibodies, which may have potential long-term adverse effects on the patient's fertility. Sequencing of the SH gene of the virus showed this to be a new mumps genotype distinct from the virus circulating currently in the UK.

Brief but efficient: acute HIV infection and the sexual transmission of HIV

BACKGROUND

We examined whether viral dynamics in the genital tract during the natural history of acute human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection could explain efficient heterosexual transmission of HIV.

METHODS

We measured HIV-1 concentration in blood and semen samples from patients with acute and long-term HIV-1 infection. We explored the effect of changes in viral dynamics in semen on the probability of transmission per coital act, using a probabilistic model published elsewhere.

RESULTS

Considered over time from infection, semen HIV-1 concentrations, in men with acute infection, increase and decrease in approximate parallel with changes occurring in blood. Modeling suggests that these acute dynamics alone are sufficient to increase probability of heterosexual transmission by 8-10-fold between peak (day 20 after infection, based on the model) and virologic set points (day 54 and later after infection). Depending on the frequency of coitus, men with average semen HIV-1 loads and without sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) would be expected to infect 7%-24% of susceptible female sex partners during the first 2 months of infection. The predicted infection rate would be much higher when either partner has an STD.

CONCLUSIONS

Empirical biological data strongly support the hypothesis that sexual transmission by acutely infected individuals has a disproportionate effect on the spread of HIV-1 infection. Acute hyperinfectiousness may, in part, explain the current pandemic in heterosexual individuals.

Factors of intermittent HIV-1 excretion in semen and efficiency of sperm processing in obtaining spermatozoa without HIV-1 genomes

OBJECTIVE

To study the risk factors for HIV-1 in semen according to the localization of HIV-1 in sperm cell fractions and to assess the efficiency of sperm processing in obtaining spermatozoa without HIV-1 genomes.

METHODS

Ninety-four HIV-infected patients provided 281 paired blood and semen samples. Sperm cell separation was performed using two successive methods. HIV-1 RNA was quantified in blood and seminal plasma. HIV-1 RNA and DNA were detected in cell fractions.

RESULTS

HIV-1 RNA was found in 14% of seminal plasma samples and up to 8.7% of native semen cells were positive for HIV-1 RNA and DNA. Ten seminal plasma samples had detectable RNA although blood viral load was undetectable. Antiretroviral treatment reduced the likelihood of RNA detection in seminal plasma. For semen with polynuclear cells and HIV-1 RNA in seminal plasma, the likelihood of detecting HIV-1 genomes in semen cells was increased fourfold and sixfold, respectively. In 25% of patients, HIV-1 excretion was intermittent. In the group of patients with systematic negative seminal plasma, HIV-1 genomes were detected in up to 10% of sperm cell samples. Our method of sperm processing always enabled us to obtain spermatozoa without detectable HIV-1 genomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Polynuclear cells in semen are a risk factor for seminal HIV-1 excretion. Blood viral load was the only predictive factor for the intermittence of HIV-1 excretion in semen over time. Sperm processing using two successive methods was effective in obtaining spermatozoa without detectable HIV-1 genomes regardless of the viral load level in native semen.