Safety of sperm washing and ART outcome in 741 HIV-1-serodiscordant couples

The use of ICSI in ART: evidence for practice

This article reviews the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It provides evidence-based clinical and laboratory guidelines and recommendations for use of ICSI within an assisted reproductive technology (ART) service. The guidelines address the evidence for the use of ICSI rather than conventional IVF (cIVF); the use of ART techniques supplementary to ICSI; and risks associated with ICSI. This article is not intended to be the only approved standard of practice or to dictate an exclusive course of treatment. Other plans of management may be appropriate, taking into account the needs and medical history of the patient, available resources, and institutional or clinical practice limitations.

Addressing Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment in Public Advocacy and Policy Making on CRISPR/Cas-Based Human Genome Editing

Leading experts on CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing-such as 2020 Nobel laureates Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier-are not only renowned specialists in their fields, but also public advocates for upcoming regulatory frameworks on CRISPR/Cas. These frameworks will affect large portions of biomedical research on human genome editing. In advocating for particular ways of handling the risks and prospects of this technology, high-profile scientists not only serve as scientific experts, but also as moral advisers. The majority of them currently intend to bring about a "responsible pathway" toward human genome interventions in clinical therapy. Engaging in advocacy for such a pathway, they issue moral judgments on the risks and benefits of this new technology. They declare that there actually is a responsible pathway, they draft resolutions on temporary moratoria, they make judgments on which groups and individuals are credible and should participate in public and semi-public debates, so they also set the standards for deciding who counts as well-informed, as well as the standards of evidence for adopting or rejecting research policies. This degree of influence on public debates and policy making is, at the very least, noteworthy. This contribution sounds a note of caution with regard to the endeavor of a responsible pathway to human genome editing and in particular scrutinizes the legitimacy of expert-driven research policies given commercial conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment among first-rank scholars.

The negative impact of most relevant infections on fertility and assisted reproduction technology

Infections may act with variable impact on the physiopathology of the reproductive organs, determining infertility or reducing the outcomes of assisted reproduction technology. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the existing evidence regarding the pathogens with a supposed or recognized role in reproductive medicine. Viral hepatitis, as well as HIV, can reduce sperm quality. Syphilis carries a risk of erectile dysfunction and increased endometrial thickness. Chlamydia is the main cause of pelvic inflammatory disease. In relation to Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp., only few species seem to show a correlation with infertility and poor in-vitro fertilization outcomes. There is evidence of a role for bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy loss. HPV infection in males seems to determine infertility. Herpesviruses are more a risk for fetuses than for fertility itself. Zika virus is responsible for altered early embryo development and waiting to conceive is recommended in suspected or confirmed cases. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 is yet to be elucidated. Rubella and toxoplasmosis can provoke important congenital defects and therefore screening is mandatory before conception; a vaccine for Rubella is recommended. Further and well-designed studies are still needed to better elucidate the role of some infectious agents, to improve fertility and its treatments.

Sperm selection strategies and their impact on assisted reproductive technology outcomes

The application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has revolutionised the treatment of human infertility, giving hope to the patients previously considered incapable of establishing pregnancy. While semen analysis is performed to access whether a sample has an adequate number of viable, motile and morphologically normal sperm cells able to achieve fertilisation, sperm selection techniques for ART aim to isolate the most competent spermatozoon which is characterised by the highest fertilising potential. Based on the semen analysis results, the correct sperm selection technique must be chosen and applied. In this review, different sperm selection strategies for retrieving spermatozoa with the highest fertilising potential and their impact on ART outcomes are discussed. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of each method and the best suited techniques for each clinical scenario are described.

Managing and preventing blood-borne viral infection transmission in assisted reproduction: a Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society clinical practice guideline

Fertility care providers have an obligation to provide safe and effective care to patients. When a user of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is living with a blood-borne viral infection (BBVI: HIV, hepatitis C or hepatitis B), physicians and ART laboratory personnel need to know the requirements for providing quality care. Recent developments in the treatment of BBVI and understanding of transmission have changed these requirements. This guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) provides comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for reducing horizontal transmission and cross-contamination in the ART setting.

Health workers' knowledge of safer conception and attitudes toward reproductive rights of HIV-infected couples in Kano, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The restriction of reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in low-resource settings could be related to the attitudes and skills of health workers. We assessed health workers' knowledge of safer conception and their attitudes toward the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-section of health workers (n=294) was interviewed using structured questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude scores were analyzed. Logistic regression was employed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for predictors of attitude.

RESULTS

Safer conception methods mentioned by respondents included timed unprotected intercourse with (27.9%) and without antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (37.4%), in vitro fertilization plus intracytoplasmic sperm injection (26.5%), and sperm washing and intrauterine insemination (24.8%). The majority (94.2%) of health workers acknowledged the reproductive rights of HIV-infected persons, although (64.6%) strongly felt that HIV-infected couples should have fewer children. Health workers reported always/nearly always counseling their patients on HIV transmission risks (64.1%) and safer conception (59.2% and 48.3% for females and males, respectively) (p<0.05). Among health workers, being older (30-39 vs <30 y) (AOR=1.33, 95% CI=1.13-2.47), married (AOR=2.15, 95% CI=1.17-5.58) and having a larger HIV-positive daily caseload (20-49 vs <20) (AOR=1.98, 95% CI=1.07-3.64) predicted positive attitude towards reproductive rights of HIV-affected couples.

CONCLUSIONS

Health workers had limited knowledge of safer conception methods, but were supportive of the reproductive rights of HIV-positive couples. Health workers in Nigeria require training to effectively counsel couples on their reproductive rights, risks and options.

Accessibility and availability of assistant reproductive technology for people living with HIV in Europe: a thematic literature review

As antiretroviral therapies have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic disease, many individuals have or will choose to have children, and the use of assisted reproductive technology can serve as an effective risk-reducing strategy. In this thematic literature review, we examine the state of research on access to and availability of assisted reproductive health technologies for people living with HIV in Europe, with the aim of identifying gaps for further research. We find that the existing literature is focused on serodiscordant couples consisting of an HIV-positive man and an HIV-negative women. This is in part because more treatment options are available for men living with HIV than women, reflecting underlying gender discrimination in treatment. The existing scholarship largely ignores reproductive options for seroconcordant couples or single individuals, or for men and women with underlying infertility. Finally, very little research addresses the question of financial affordability, which is a known barrier to infertility treatment.

No. 354-Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines is to provide clinical information and recommendations for health care providers to assist Canadians affected by HIV with their fertility, preconception, and pregnancy planning decisions. These guidelines are evidence- and community-based and flexible and take into account diverse and intersecting local/population needs based on the social determinants of health.

INTENDED OUTCOMES

EVIDENCE: Literature searches were conducted by a librarian using the Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase databases for published articles in English and French related to HIV and pregnancy and HIV and pregnancy planning for each section of the guidelines. The full search strategy is available upon request.

VALUES

The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Infectious Diseases Committee of the SOGC under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and through use of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument for the development of clinical guidelines.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Guideline implementation should assist the practitioner in developing an evidence-based approach for the prevention of unplanned pregnancy, preconception, fertility, and pregnancy planning counselling in the context of HIV infection.

VALIDATION

These guidelines have been reviewed and approved by the Infectious Disease Committee and the Executive and Council of the SOGC.

SPONSOR

Canadian Institutes of Health Research Grant Planning and Dissemination grant (Funding Reference # 137186), which funded a Development Team meeting in 2016.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Influence of male human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the reproductive outcomes in serodiscordant couples: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, serodiscordant couples (SDCs) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected men have the chance to conceive safely, giving birth with a minimum risk of cross-infection.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of male HIV and HCV infection on the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes in SDCs, with HIV or HCV seropositive men and negative partners.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 153 couples: 24 in Group 1 (HIV-seropositive men), 60 in Group 2 (HCV-seropositive men) and 69 in Group 3 (controls). Sperm-washing procedure was performed using a three-step system. Fresh ICSI cycles were carried out in HIV SDCs, HCV SDCs and controls. Seminal parameters, fertilization rate (FR), cleavage rate (CR), pregnancy rate per cycle (PR/C), miscarriage rate, implantation rate (IR) and live birth rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

All the seropositive men have undetectable viral loads at the time of insemination, and both partners were free from co-morbid infections. The median number of embryos transferred was 2.0 (IQR 1.0-3.0), with no differences among groups. FR was significantly reduced in HIV and HCV SDCs compared to the controls (66%, 61% and 75%, respectively; p < 0.01). CR was similar between groups (p = 0.3). IR was 12.1%, 11.1% and 14.1%, respectively, in the three groups (p = 0.30). PR/C was 21.7%, 17.6% and 20.2% in HIV, HCV and controls, respectively. Live birth rate per cycle was 17.4%, 15.7% and 15.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancies per cycle, as well as miscarriages and live births (p = 0.30; 0.30; 0.60, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The sperm-washing technique with ICSI may generate a promising way to improve pregnancy outcomes and to reduce the risk of viral transmission in these couples. In this setting, we can correctly counsel HIV- and HCV-infected men of SDCs with regard to the likelihood of father their own biological child.

[Assisted reproductive technologies in HIV patients: Which results and which strategy in France in 2019?]

With the use of antiretroviral therapy, HIV transmission from mother to fetus and between sexual partners has been significantly reduced, successively allowing pregnancy, then assisted reproductive technologies, and targeted unprotected sex among couples living with HIV. Since first French Morlat report in 2013, natural procreation is now possible under certain conditions for these couples living with HIV and the use of assisted reproductive technologies is increasingly limited to the treatment of infertility. While the results of intrauterine insemination seem satisfactory for serodiscordant couples living with HIV, in vitro fertilization results appear to be unfavorable when the woman is infected with HIV. In vitro fertilization results appear to be comparable to those in general population when only the man is infected with HIV. It can be assumed that ovaries are impacted by the treatment and/or the HIV in infected women.

HIV and SIV in Body Fluids: From Breast Milk to the Genitourinary Tract

HIV-1 is present in many secretions including oral, intestinal, genital, and breast milk. However, most people exposed to HIV-1 within these mucosal compartments do not become infected despite often frequent and repetitive exposure over prolonged periods of time. In this review, we discuss what is known about the levels of cell-free HIV RNA, cell-associated HIV DNA and cell-associated HIV RNA in external secretions. Levels of virus are usually lower than contemporaneously obtained blood, increased in settings of inflammation and infection, and decreased in response to antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, each mucosal compartment has unique innate and adaptive immune responses that affect the composition and presence of HIV-1 within each external secretion. We discuss the current state of knowledge about the types and amounts of virus present in the various excretions, touch on innate and adaptive immune responses as they affect viral levels, and highlight important areas for further study.

Healthcare provider attitudes regarding the provision of assisted reproductive services for HIV-affected couples in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of providing assisted reproductive services as part of routine HIV care and treatment in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional study using semistructured in-depth interviews was conducted at St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during July 2014 and July 2015. The interviews assessed the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the reproductive desires of HIV-affected couples, on assisting them in achieving pregnancy, and on the facilitators and barriers to offering such services as part of routine HIV care.

RESULTS

There were 40 HCPs from two SPHMMC clinics interviewed. All HCPs asserted that HIV-affected couples should have equal access to assisted reproductive services and most agreed that couples should have this access to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, even in the absence of underlying infertility. However, the HCPs cited systemic and structural barriers to the implementation and delivery of assisted reproductive services.

CONCLUSION

The integration of assisted reproductive services into HIV care and treatment programs is acceptable and feasible to HCPs. Formal training of HCPs may improve the implementation of these services for HIV-affected couples in low-resource settings.

In vitro fertilization when men, women, or both partners are positive for HIV: a case-control study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for couples where one or both partners were positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to matched control couples.

METHODS

A matched case-control retrospective study was performed. Data for 104 couples where the woman was HIV-positive; for 90 couples where the man was HIV-positive; and for 33 couples where both partners were HIV-positive were prospectively analyzed in comparison to matched controls treated in our center during the same period. The main outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

RESULTS

For couples involving an HIV-positive man, clinical outcomes were comparable to controls and resulted in the birth of 18 healthy babies after 90 cycles. When the woman was affected, cycle cancelation, number of retrieved oocytes, and on-going clinical pregnancy rates per transfer were statistically reduced. Implantation rates were comparable to those of non-affected controls. Seven healthy babies for 104 cycles were obtained. For a couple in which both partners were HIV-positive, only one healthy birth occurred after 33 cycles. Pregnancy rates were systematically reduced though not significantly probably due to sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that IVF outcomes were similar to controls when men were HIV-positive and remain acceptable when women were HIV-positive. IVF outcomes were severely reduced in our sero-concordant couples; however, many patients had severe HIV disease previously, and therefore, these results should be reassessed in patients treated early in their disease.

Clinical efficacy of a combination of Percoll continuous density gradient and swim-up techniques for semen processing in HIV-1 serodiscordant couples

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a procedure comprising a combination of Percoll continuous density gradient and modified swim-up techniques for the removal of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from the semen of HIV-1 infected males, a total of 129 couples with an HIV-1 positive male partner and an HIV-1 negative female partner (serodiscordant couples) who were treated at Keio University Hospital between January 2002 and April 2012 were examined. A total of 183 ejaculates from 129 HIV-1 infected males were processed. After swim-up, we successfully collected motile sperms at a recovery rate as high as 100.0% in cases of normozoospermia (126/126 ejaculates), oligozoospermia (6/6), and asthenozoospermia (36/36). The recovery rate of oligoasthenozoospermia was 86.7% (13/15). In processed semen only four ejaculates (4/181:2.2%) showed viral nucleotide sequences consistent with those in the blood of the infected males. After using these sperms, no horizontal infections of the female patients and no vertical infections of the newborns were observed. Furthermore, no obvious adverse effects were observed in the offspring. This protocol allowed us to collect HIV-1 negative motile sperms at a high rate, even in male factor cases. We concluded that our protocol is clinically effective both for decreasing HIV-1 infections and for yielding a healthy child.

Guidelines for risk reduction when handling gametes from infectious patients seeking assisted reproductive technologies

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), couples with blood-borne viruses that lead to infectious disease cannot be denied fertility treatment as long as the direct threat to the health and safety of others can be reduced or eliminated by a modification of policies or procedures. Three types of infectious patients are commonly discussed in the context of fertility treatment: those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C or hepatitis B. Seventy-five per cent of hepatitis C or HIV positive men and women are in their reproductive years, and these couples look to assisted reproductive techniques for risk reduction in conceiving a pregnancy. In many cases, only one partner is infected. Legal and ethical questions about treatment of infectious patients aside, the question most asked by clinical embryologists and andrologists is: "What are the laboratory protocols for working with gametes and embryos from patients with infectious disease?" The serostatus of each patient is the key that informs appropriate treatments. This guidance document describes protocols for handling gametes from seroconcordant and serodiscordant couples with infectious disease. With minor modifications, infectious patients with stable disease status and undetectable or low viral load can be accommodated in the IVF laboratory.

Effectiveness of semen washing to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and assist pregnancy in HIV-discordant couples: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of semen washing in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-discordant couples in which the male partner is infected.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Forty single-arm open-label studies among HIV-discordant couples that underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using washed semen.

INTERVENTION(S)

Semen washing followed by IUI, IVF, or IVF/ICSI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

PRIMARY OUTCOME

HIV transmission to HIV-uninfected women; secondary outcomes: HIV transmission to newborns and proportion of couples achieving a clinical pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

No HIV transmission occurred in 11,585 cycles of assisted reproduction with the use of washed semen among 3,994 women. Among the subset of HIV-infected men without plasma viral suppression at the time of semen washing, no HIV seroconversions occurred among 1,023 women after 2,863 cycles of assisted reproduction with the use of washed semen. Studies that measured HIV transmission to infants reported no cases of vertical transmission. Overall, 56.3% of couples (2,357/4,184) achieved a clinical pregnancy with the use of washed semen.

CONCLUSION(S)

Semen washing appears to significantly reduce the risk of transmission in HIV-discordant couples desiring children, regardless of viral suppression in the male partner. There are no randomized controlled studies or studies from low-income countries, especially those with a large burden of HIV. Continued development of lower-cost semen washing and assisted reproduction technologies is needed. Integration of semen washing into HIV prevention interventions could help to further reduce the spread of HIV.

Yes, It is Possible

Human immunodeficiency virus-serodiscordant couples are actively seeking reproductive assistance and often consider or practice unsafe measures to achieve pregnancy. Reproductive issues and concerns unique to these couples need to be addressed before treatment. Assisted reproduction techniques can minimize the risk of infection and complete families associated with serodiscordant couples. Since 1987, more than 4000 published attempts have been reported in which processed spermatozoa from HIV-seropositive men were used to establish pregnancy in HIV-seronegative women. When the female partner is HIV positive, intrauterine insemination (IUI) will suffice in order to prevent horizontal infection. However, when the male partner is HIV positive, a technique developed in Milan over 15 years ago, involving sperm washing, is used in order to minimize infection of the healthy partner. Some couples need further treatment, due to inherent infertility, with advanced reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as IVF or ICSI. Recent innovative approaches such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral drugs may reduce further the susceptibility of the uninfected female partner. Numerous ART centers worldwide treat these couples. Most centers are equipped with separate laboratory space for collecting specimens from infected patients and provide separate storage tanks for freezing infected gametes and embryos in order to protect other patients using the facility. There are no reports of HIV infection of laboratory personnel resulting from processing the gametes/embryos for serodiscordant couples using current laboratory protocols. Cross-contamination of the gametes or embryos of other couples in the same laboratory has also not been reported. The risk is theoretical only, particularly when standard universal precautions are used.

Acceptability and preferences for safer conception HIV prevention strategies: a qualitative study

Safer conception strategies to reduce the HIV transmission risk include antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive partners, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative partners, condomless sex limited to fertile periods, and home-based self-insemination. Resistance to taking treatment or cultural concerns may limit uptake of strategies and intervention success. Understanding the acceptability and preferences between different approaches is important to optimise service delivery. Between February and July 2013, 42 adults (21 HIV-positive and 21 HIV-negative) receiving primary care at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, participated in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews. Themes were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Acceptability of antiretroviral-based strategies varied. Concerns over side effects, antiretroviral treatment duration and beliefs that treatment is only for the sick were common barriers; however, desperation for a child was noted as a facilitator for uptake. HIV-negative men and HIV-positive women had favourable attitudes towards self-insemination, though paternity and safety concerns were raised. Self-insemination was generally preferred over pre-exposure prophylaxis by HIV-negative men, and antiretroviral-based strategies were preferred by couples with HIV-negative female partners, despite concerns raised about condomless sex while virally suppressed. Knowledge about the fertile window was low. A strong counselling component will be required for effective uptake and adherence to safer conception services.

Fertility-related research needs among women at the margins

Fertility-related research encompasses fertility intentions, preconception care, research amongst pregnant women, and post-partum outcomes of mothers and children. However, some women remain under-represented within this domain of study. Women frequently missing within fertility-related research include those who are already the most vulnerable to health disparities, including female sex workers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender women, women living with HIV, and women who use drugs. Yet characterization of the needs of these women is important, given their unique fertility-related concerns, including risks and barriers to care emanating from social stigmas and discrimination. This synthesis provides an overview of fertility-related evidence, highlighting where there are clear research gaps among marginalized women and the potential implications of these data shortfalls. Overall, research among marginalized women to date has addressed pregnancy prevention and in some cases fertility intentions, but the majority of studies have focused on post-conception pregnancy safety and the well-being of the child. However, among female sex workers specifically, data on pregnancy safety and the well-being of the child are largely unavailable. Within each marginalized group, preconception care and effectiveness of conception methods are consistently understudied. Ultimately, the absence of epidemiologic, clinical and programmatic evidence limits the availability and quality of reproductive health services for all women and prevents social action to address these gaps.

Cost and safety of assisted reproductive technologies for human immunodeficiency virus-1 discordant couples

Due to significant advances in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1), HIV-1 infection gradually has become a treatable chronic disease. Successfully treated HIV-positive individuals can have a normal life expectancy. Hence, more and more HIV-1 discordant couples in Taiwan and the rest of the world are seeking fertility assistance. Pre-treatment of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) combined with sperm washing and RT-polymerase chain reaction examination for HIV-1 viral load has become the standard procedure to assist them to conceive. However, in order to reduce the transmission risk to the lowest level for the couple and to diminish the cost of health care for the insurance institutes or government, in vitro fertilization (IVF)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) therapy provides the ideal solution for HIV-1 discordant couples with infected men. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) theoretically introduces more than 10⁷ times of sperm counts or semen volume to uninfected women vs IVF-ICSI. However, since some regimens of HAART may significantly decrease the sperm motility, compared to IVF-ICSI, IUI only produces 1/5 to 1/2 pregnancy rates per cycle. Given the risk of seroconversion of HIV infection which actually happens after successful treatment, IVF-ICSI for these HIV-1 seropositive men is more cost-effective and should be the first line treatment for these cases.

Reclaiming fertility awareness methods to inform timed intercourse for HIV serodiscordant couples attempting to conceive

INTRODUCTION

Increased life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals during recent years has drawn attention to their quality of life, which includes fulfillment of fertility desires. In particular, heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples constitute a special group for whom the balance between desired pregnancy and the risk of viral transmission should be carefully considered and optimized. Although advanced assisted reproductive technologies are available, such treatments are expensive and are often unavailable. Moreover, standard viral load testing and antiretroviral therapy may not be accessible due to structural or individual barriers. To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, a lower cost alternative is timed condomless sex combined with other risk-reduction strategies. However, timed condomless sex requires specific knowledge of how to accurately predict the fertile window in a menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to summarize inexpensive fertility awareness methods (FAMs) that predict the fertile window and may be useful for counselling HIV-positive couples on lower cost options to conceive.

METHODS

Original English-language research articles were identified by a detailed Medline and Embase search in July 2014. Relevant citations in the included articles were also retrieved.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Calendar method, basal body temperature and cervicovaginal mucus secretions are the most accessible and sensitive FAMs, although poor specificity precludes their independent use in ovulation detection. In contrast, urinary luteinizing hormone testing is highly specific but less sensitive, and more expensive. To maximize the chance of conception per cycle, the likelihood of natural conception needs to be assessed with a basic fertility evaluation of both partners and a combination of FAMs should be offered. Adherence to other risk-reduction strategies should also be advised, and timely referral to reproductive medicine specialists is necessary when sub/infertility is suspected.

CONCLUSIONS

FAMs provide effective, economical and accessible options for HIV serodiscordant couples to conceive while minimizing unnecessary viral exposure. It is important for health care providers to initiate conversations about fertility desires in HIV-positive couples and to educate identified couples on safer conception strategies.

Development and validation of protocol for HIV-1 detection in washed sperm before medically assisted procreation

The new standing order of Russian Ministry of Health for the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (in force since 2013) permits the use of ART for discordant couples with one partner infected with HIV. This permission puts on clinics an additional responsibility due to risks of HIV transmission. With the aim to decrease the possibility of nosocomial HIV infection of mother and child, the method of HIV detection in washed sperm was developed and validated.

Implementation of a safer conception service for HIV-affected couples in South Africa

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and implementation of a safer conception service in a resource-limited setting.

METHODS

Qualitative work to inform the design of a safer conception service was conducted with clients and providers at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre, a primary health center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Services began in July 2013 for HIV-affected participants planning conception within 6 months and included counseling about timed unprotected intercourse and home-based self-insemination, early initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) for HIV-infected individuals, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-uninfected partners and circumcision for men. Participants were enrolled into an implementation science study evaluating method uptake, acceptability, and pregnancy and HIV transmission outcomes.

RESULTS

Findings to-date from 51 qualitative participants and 128 clinical cohort participants (82 women and 46 men, representing 82 partnerships) are presented. All men were accompanied by female partners, whereas 56% of women attended with their male partner. Fifteen of the 46 couples (33%) were in confirmed serodiscordant relationships; however, of the 36 additional women attending alone, 56% were unaware of their partners' HIV status or believed them to be HIV-uninfected. The majority of the HIV-infected women (86%) and men (71%) were on cART at enrollment; however, only 47% on cART were virally suppressed. Timed unprotected intercourse, self-insemination and cART were common choices for participants; few elected pre-exposure prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lessons learned from early implementation demonstrate feasibility of safer conception services; however, reaching discordant couples, cART-naïve infected partners, and men remain challenges. Creating demand for safer conception services among those at highest risk for HIV transmission is necessary.

Fertility treatment options for HIV-infected individuals

Many HIV-serodiscordant couples desire children and physician-assisted techniques can help individuals achieve pregnancy while reducing the risk of seroconversion in their seronegative partner. For HIV-seropositive males, sperm washing with intrauterine insemination (SW-IUI) was introduced in Europe in the early 1990s, while in the USA in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) has been primarily used to reduce the risk of viral transmission. When properly applied to well-selected populations, no seroconversion has been reported with either of these methods. Within the last 5 years, randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the efficacy of daily pre-exposure prophylaxis in reducing the risk of seroconversion in couples having intercourse when an HIV-seropositive male has undetectable viral loads. In both the USA and Europe, favorable reproductive outcomes have been reported for HIV-seropositive females undergoing IUI and IVF-ICSI. Herein, we review the use of various contemporary reproductive techniques available to HIV-serodiscordant couples interested in having children, including new data on cumulative clinical pregnancy rates and cumulative live-birth rates after IVF-ICSI for male serodiscordant couples. We conclude by proposing that pre-exposure prophylaxis with SW-IUI may be a safe, economical and effective alternative for achieving pregnancy in well-selected, monogamous HIV-serodiscordant couples where the male partner is seropositive.

Antiretrovirals and safer conception for HIV-serodiscordant couples

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many men and women living with HIV and their uninfected partners attempt to conceive children. HIV-prevention science can be applied to reduce sexual transmission risk while respecting couples' reproductive goals. Here we discuss antiretrovirals as prevention in the context of safer conception for HIV-serodiscordant couples.

RECENT FINDINGS

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the infected partner and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the uninfected partner reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission. Several demonstration projects suggest the feasibility and acceptability of antiretroviral (ARV)s as periconception HIV-prevention for HIV-serodiscordant couples. The application of ARVs to periconception risk reduction may be limited by adherence.

SUMMARY

For male-infected (M+F-) couples who cannot access sperm processing and female-infected (F+M-) couples unwilling to carry out insemination without intercourse, ART for the infected partner, PrEP for the uninfected partner, combined with treatment for sexually transmitted infections, sex limited to peak fertility, and medical male circumcision (for F+M couples) provide excellent, well tolerated options for reducing the risk of periconception HIV sexual transmission.

Reproductive assistance in HIV serodiscordant couples

BACKGROUND

Three quarters of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are in their reproductive years and may consider pregnancy planning. Techniques have been developed which can minimize the risk of HIV transmission in these couples, and the current literature on this topic is reviewed here.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature for the following topics: risk of HIV transmission, effects of HIV infection on fertility, reproductive assistance in industrialized and low-income countries, pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PrEP) and timed intercourse in HIV-discordant couples for both male and female positivity. Relevant publications were identified through searches of the EMBASE Medline and PubMed databases, the Google-indexed scientific literature and periodic specialized magazines from the on-line Library Service of the University of Milan, Italy.

RESULTS

In serodiscordant couples in which the man is positive, the primary method used to prevent HIV transmission is 'sperm washing', followed by IUI or IVF. Data show that sperm washing in HIV-positive men has not produced seroconversion in women or their offspring; however, the evidence is limited. Recently, increasing evidence describing PrEP for HIV prevention has been published and PrEP could be an alternative to ART for fertile couples. Usually HIV-infected women undergo self-insemination around the time of ovulation. Few studies have been published on IVF outcome in HIV-infected women.

CONCLUSIONS

Assisted reproduction programmes should be integrated into global public health services against HIV. For HIV serodiscordant couples with infected men, sperm washing should be the first choice. However, timed intercourse and PrEP for HIV prevention has been reported. Recent data highlight the possible impairment of fertility in HIV-infected women. Efforts to design a multicentric study should be strengthened.

Fertility choices and management for HIV-positive women

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

It is becoming increasingly important to address the issue of reproductive counselling and management of HIV-infected individuals during their reproductive years. Sexual and reproductive health-related needs and aspirations are similar to those of uninfected individuals but some differences require specific attention, which are discussed in this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hormonal contraception should be used with caution in women on antiretroviral treatment. Its impact on both HIV infectivity and disease progression is still controversial. An intrauterine device can be considered for pregnancy prevention and pregnancy termination should be offered in safe conditions. HIV-infected women have a lower spontaneous fertility rate, which may persist after assisted reproduction. Data on safety of antiretroviral treatment during conception are reassuring. No clear association can be found between exposure to antiretrovirals and fetal abnormalities. Secondary prevention remains crucial and condom use remains a key method.

SUMMARY

Different topics related to fertility choices among HIV-infected patients should be addressed. Family planning methods and termination of pregnancy have specific aspects among infected individuals. When needed, medically assisted reproduction may be required and antiretroviral treatment should be adapted before conception. Secondary prevention has a key role in reducing newly acquired infections.

Outcomes from the first assisted reproduction program for HIV-serodiscordant couples in Australia

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical outcomes for all HIV-serodiscordant couples attending an assisted reproduction program.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective review of demographic, clinical and outcome data for all HIV-serodiscordant couples who attended an assisted reproduction program at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, between its commencement in 2003 and June 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pregnancies, miscarriages, births, HIV transmission to the HIV-negative partner, semen quality and detection of HIV (HIV RNA and HIV DNA) in semen.

RESULTS

As of June 2010, 39 HIV-positive clients had proceeded to assisted reproduction after the initial consultation in the program. There were 162 completed cycles, with 26 pregnancies (clinical pregnancy rate per cycle, 16.2% for HIV-positive men with an HIV-negative partner, and 15.4% for HIV-positive women). Of all 222 tested semen samples, 18 (8%) had HIV RNA detected despite these men receiving antiretroviral therapy and having an undetectable HIV viral load in plasma. Sperm velocity was significantly lower in HIV-positive clients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy than in a control group of recipient-recruited sperm donors (P = 0.01); there were no other significant differences in sperm quality between the two groups. No HIV transmission to babies or HIV-negative partners occurred.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show detectable HIV in 8% of semen samples from men with an undetectable HIV viral load in plasma, but confirm the safety of assisted reproduction for HIV-serodiscordant couples within a program with strict protocols for HIV treatment and testing of all semen before use.

Outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques for HIV-1-discordant couples using thawed washed sperm in Taiwan: comparison with control and testicular sperm extraction/microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration groups

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

An increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-l)-discordant couples in Taiwan have been seeking fertility help. We conducted the first clinical trial in Taiwan of assisted reproductive technology (ART) using sperm washing and viral load measurement.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2009, we performed 22 ART cycles on 14 HIV-1-discordant couples. The sperm washing involved density gradient centrifugation followed by swim-up method. HIV-1 RNA was checked by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with a sensitivity of 40 copies/mL. In addition, we enrolled two other groups of ART recipients using frozen sperm to compare the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

There were five pregnancies in the fresh cycles (23.8%) of HIV-1-discordant couples and the cumulative pregnancy per couple was 42.9% (6/14). The data were comparable with normal controls and testicular sperm extraction/microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration groups. The nine babies and the 14 women in this study showed no seroconversion.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary data showed good ART results in HIV-1-discordant couples. Fertility services should not be withheld from individuals with HIV-1, although larger series are needed to reach conclusions about safety.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and infertility: emerging problems in the era of highly active antiretrovirals

OBJECTIVE

To review the effects of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in terms of its associated comorbid conditions and the side effects of antiretroviral treatment on fertility.

DESIGN

PubMed computer search to identify relevant articles.

SETTING

Research institution.

PATIENT(S)

None.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

None.

RESULT(S)

Biological alterations in reproductive physiology may account for subfertility in patients infected with HIV. Psychosocial factors in patients with HIV infection may affect their reproductive desires and outcomes. Antiretroviral medications may have direct toxicity on gametes and embryos. Available evidence indicates that fertility treatments can be a safe option for couples with HIV-discordant infection status, although the potential risk of viral transmission cannot be completely eliminated.

CONCLUSION(S)

Because their potential reproductive desires are increasingly becoming a concern in the health care of young HIV-infected patients, additional data are needed to address the effect of HIV and its treatments on their fertility and reproductive outcomes.

Access of people living with HIV to infertility services: perspective of Brazilian healthcare professionals

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the perspective of professionals in university and public assisted reproductive technology (ART) and HIV/AIDS services in Brazil, on the demand of people living with HIV wishing to conceive.

DESIGN

Mixed qualitative and quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and case study.

METHODS

The quantitative component was based on telephone interviews to women's health and HIV/AIDS program managers at state and municipal level. For the qualitative case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with health professionals of ART and HIV/AIDS services.

RESULTS

Only one university ART service provided care for seropositive couples, but 64% of the HIV/AIDS services at state level and 73% of municipal HIV/AIDS services offered reproductive counseling focused on preventing pregnancy. Difficulty in discussing desire to conceive, lack of political decision and of human and financial resources were the main reasons given by service managers for not offering the opportunity for HIV couples. Lack of appropriate referrals and of updated knowledge on reproductive options were constrains according to the interviews.

CONCLUSION

Desire to reproduce among people living with HIV is poorly addressed in public services in Brazil.

Achieving safe conception in HIV-discordant couples: the potential role of oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the United States

Approximately half of HIV-discordant heterosexual couples in the United States want children. Oral antiretroviral preexposure prophylaxis, if effective in reducing heterosexual HIV transmission, might be an option for discordant couples wanting to conceive. Couples should receive services to ensure they enter pregnancy in optimal health and receive education about all conception methods that reduce the risk of HIV transmission. In considering whether preexposure prophylaxis is indicated, the question is whether it contributes to lowering risk in couples who have decided to conceive despite known risks. If preexposure prophylaxis is used, precautions similar to those in the current heterosexual preexposure prophylaxis trials would be recommended, and the unknown risks of preexposure prophylaxis used during conception and early fetal development should be considered. Anecdotal reports suggest that oral preexposure prophylaxis use is already occurring. It is time to have open discussions of when and how preexposure prophylaxis might be indicated for HIV-discordant couples attempting conception.

Endemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis in the Americas: hidden under the dengue umbrella

Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is an emerging infectious disease in Latin America. Outbreaks have been recorded for decades in countries with enzootic circulation, and the recent implementation of surveillance systems has allowed the detection of additional human cases in countries and areas with previously unknown VEE activity. Clinically, VEE is indistinguishable from dengue and other arboviral diseases and confirmatory diagnosis requires the use of specialized laboratory tests that are difficult to afford in resource-limited regions. Thus, the disease burden of endemic VEE in developing countries remains largely unknown, but recent surveillance suggests that it may represent up to 10% of the dengue burden in neotropical cities, or tens-of-thousands of cases per year throughout Latin America. The potential emergence of epizootic viruses from enzootic progenitors further highlights the need to strengthen surveillance activities, identify mosquito vectors and reservoirs and develop effective strategies to control the disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the current status of endemic VEE that results from spillover of the enzootic cycles, and we discuss public health measures for disease control as well as future avenues for VEE research.

Systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of assisted reproduction techniques in couples serodiscordant for human immunodeficiency virus where the man is positive

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serodiscordant couples.

DESIGN

Systematic review of five databases of noncomparative open intervention and observational studies of serodiscordant couples undergoing ART, with study selection and data extraction performed independently and in duplicate.

SETTING

Tertiary fertility centers.

PATIENT(S)

HIV serodiscordant couples where the man is HIV positive.

INTERVENTION(S)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) performed after washed semen viral testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Pregnancy rates per cycle, cumulative pregnancy, abortion rate, and HIV seroconversion in newborns or women.

RESULT(S)

Of the 658 abstracts retrieved, 41 were selected for review, and 17 full articles were included (3,900 IUI cycles in 1,184 couples in 11 aggregated studies and 738 ICSI/IVF cycles in 579 couples across 10 studies). The IUI and ICSI results were, respectively: pregnancy rates per cycle, 18% and 38.1%; cumulative pregnancy, 50% and 52.9%; and abortion rate, 15.6% and 20.6%. No seroconversions in women or newborns were detectable at birth or after 3 to 6 months.

CONCLUSION(S)

Cumulative evidence suggests that ART is safe and effective for avoiding horizontal and vertical transmission in HIV serodiscordant couples.

Life after HIV: examination of HIV serodiscordant couples' desire to conceive through assisted reproduction

The current study addresses fertility desires and considerations among 143 HIV serodiscordant, opposite-sex couples (in which only the male partner is HIV positive) in the Northeastern U.S. Couples responded to questionnaires during their initial consultation for assisted reproduction, and data were collected over 7 years and analyzed retrospectively. Results indicated that a majority of the male participants had HIV when they met their partner, and a majority also disclosed their HIV status upon meeting. Most couples reported that they had previously discussed or considered a host of fertility-related issues, including the potential risk of HIV infection to the mother and the fetus during the process of fertility treatment. The majority of couples had also discussed the possibility that the male partner could die prematurely due to HIV/AIDS and had considered making arrangements for third-party parenting in the event of the male partner's death. If their fertility treatment were to be successful in the future, most couples desired additional children, and most believed that their future child should be told of the male partner's HIV status. Predictors of the desire for additional children after successful fertility treatment included: younger age, shorter relationship duration, being childless currently, and beginning their relationship after the male partner had already been diagnosed as HIV positive. Future research on fertility desires should include perspectives of HIV positive men on fatherhood, as well as concerns and issues specific to HIV serodiscordant couples.

Sperm washing to prevent HIV transmission from HIV-infected men but allowing conception in sero-discordant couples

BACKGROUND

Sperm washing is a term used to describe the process in which individual spermatozoa are separated from the seminal fluid. Sperm washing is used to prevent HIV transmission but allow conception in sero-discordant couples, where the male is HIV positive, but the female is HIV negative. This procedure is based on the observation that HIV cannot attach itself to spermatozoa, but it can be found in the fluid and cells surrounding spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of sperm washing of HIV-infected males when used to prevent the transmission of HIV but allowing conception in the HIV-negative female.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCORPUS, AIDsearch, AJOL, LILACS and INDEX MEDICUS. We also searched the following conference proceedings for relevant abstracts:The International AIDS Conference; The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI); The British HIV Association (BHIVA) Conference; The International Conference of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FIGO); The American Academy of HIV Medicine Conference; The Australasian HIV/AIDS Conference; The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conferences and website; The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conferences and websites, and the British Fertility Society (BFS) conferences and website. We also conducted a search of the website: www.ClinicalTrials.gov. The date of the most recent Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group Controlled Trials Register search was on the 10th of November, 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We preferentially looked for randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials on sperm washing, aimed at preventing HIV transmission from HIV infected men but allowing conception in sero-discordant couples, irrespective of publication status, year of publication, or language in the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

No relevant trials were identified for inclusion in this review.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty four studies were identified, but none of them were suitable for inclusion in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Reports on the use of sperm washing to prevent HIV transmission from HIV infected men but allowing conception in sero-discordant couples is currently limited to observational studies. No randomised controlled trial has assessed the benefit or risk of sperm washing to prevent HIV transmission from HIV infected men but allow conception in sero-discordant couples. Thus, this systematic review identifies the need for a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing the benefits and possible risks of sperm washing in preventing HIV transmission from HIV infected men but allow conception in sero-discordant couples.

Feasibility of Repurposing the Polyanionic Microbicide, PPCM, for Prophylaxis against HIV Transmission during ART

HIV-serodiscordant couples wishing to conceive often seek assisted reproduction, during which spermatozoa from infected men are washed to minimize the risk of HIV transmission to partner and fetus. We sought to improve this method by adding a microbicide, PPCM, as an HIV prophylactic. HIV-1 (BaL) inhibition by PPCM appears irreversible and independent of added Ca²⁺. Without added Ca²⁺, PPCM (≤10 mg/mL, ≤90 min), a stimulus of Ca²⁺-dependent acrosomal loss, has no effect on sperm motility, forward progression, or acrosomal status. PPCM-treated (10 mg/mL) sperm retain their ability to acrosome react when Ca²⁺ is added. Sperm DNA integrity/function is unaffected by PPCM (≤10 mg/mL). Adding PPCM (5 mg/mL, 30 min) to washing media reduces infectivity (viral antigen p24 and RNA) of ex-vivo HIV-infected semen by 3-4 Logs compared with washing alone. Sperm washing with appropriate extracellular Ca²⁺ levels and PPCM is significantly more effective than washing alone at reducing HIV infectivity.

Impact of chronic viral diseases on semen parameters

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) virus infection on semen parameters. Semen samples were obtained from 27 HCV, 34 HIV, 30 HBV and 41 HCV-HIV-seropositive patients and compared with those of a control population of healthy seronegative subjects. Tests for detection of HIV, HCV and HBV were performed on seminal samples. The sperm concentration was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive males compared to that of controls (P < 0.001). The mean sperm motility (a + b) was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive (P < 0.001) and in HCV-HIV-seropositive subjects (P < 0.05) compared to that of controls. The sperm viability was significantly lower in HCV- and HBV-seropositive men than in controls (P < 0.001). The normal morphology was significantly reduced in HCV-seropositive and HBV-seropositive men (P < 0.05) with respect to that of controls (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration after sperm wash was significantly higher in controls than in HCV-, HIV-, HBV- and HIV-HCV-seropositive men (P < 0.001). We can conclude that HBV- and HCV-infected men have a significantly impaired sperm quality compared with that of controls. The reason for the better sperm quality in our series of HIV- and HCV-HIV-infected men is still under debate. Further investigations in a larger case series are warranted.