Microbial Contamination of in Vitro-Derived Cattle Embryos and Resistance Genes

Abstract

The global trend of in vitro embryo systems, particularly the in vitro fertilization (IVF) culture system, is gaining momentum. Despite the strict standards followed in in-vitro embryo procedures, microbiological contamination is occasional, and the relevant literature is scarce. In this study, for the first time, IVF culture dishes with microbial contamination and resistance genes of isolates were evaluated in veterinary medicine. Samples were microscopically taken from IVF tissue cultures suspected of bacterial or fungal contamination and sent to the microbiology laboratory for further examination. The total contamination rate was 11.1% in IVF cultures where cell division did has stopped or turbidity occurred. Identification of contaminant microorganisms showed that infections were mainly caused by E. coli 9.5% and Candida spp. 1.58%. A set containing multiplex antibiotic primers was used during the IVF protocol to determine antibiotic resistance genes. All E. coli isolates were resistant to penicillin used in the Kirby-Bauer, and 16% was resistant to streptomycin. This study is the first systematic evaluation of microbial contamination of bovine IVF culture vessels in veterinary medicine. IVF culture should be evaluated in more detail to learn more about the source of the microorganism and to develop adequate measures to prevent microbial contamination. © 2025 Gokcenur Sanioglu Golen et al., published by Sciendo.