SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Follicular Fluid, Granulosa Cells, and Oocytes of COVID-19 Infected Women Applying for Assisted Reproductive Technology

Authors

  • Bahia Namavar Jahromi Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Sina Vakili Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Amir Savardashtaki Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Mohammad Ebrahim Parsanezhad Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Zahra Mosallanezhad Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Sedigheh Foruhari Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Soudabe Sabetian Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  • Maryam Davari Zanjani Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; IVF Center, Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran
  • Mahnaz Banaei IVF Center, Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran
  • Neda Pirbonyeh Department of Microbiology, Burn and Wound Healing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v11i.2638

Keywords:

SARS-Cov-2, Follicular Fluid, Oocyte, Granulosa Cell, Reproduction

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding the application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the world. Many ART programs have been delayed or continued with new precautions due to the ambiguity about vertical transmission and pregnancy safety. Regarding the possible risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ART and the resultant embryos, this study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in follicular fluid, granulosa cells, and oocytes of COVID-19-infected women undergoing ART. Materials and Methods: COVID-19-positive polymerase chain reaction tests were reported for five women undergoing ART cycles on the day of oocyte retrieval. SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed on oocytes, granulosa cells, and follicular fluid obtained from these COVID-19-infected women. Results: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected only in one follicular fluid sample; however, other follicular fluid samples, granulosa cells, and oocytes were negative regarding viral RNA. Conclusion: Given the unknown effects of COVID-19 on human reproduction and ART, strict precautions should be taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Published

2022-12-05

Issue

Vol. 11 (2022): 2022

Section

Original Article

License

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/