Sperm viral decontamination: a juncture between prevention and risk minimization in the ART laboratory

The present report describes the transition of a technique designed for the removal of infectious pathogens from animal semen to a clinical application in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive males requesting assisted reproductive technology treatment. The relevance and application of the decontamination technique in the present-day and emerging viral epidemics is questioned. The medical history and screening of a patient will verify the type and level of viral infection, and if viruses are attached and/or potentially internalized in the sperm cell of a carrier. The procedure will only be relevant as a risk-reduction method during assisted reproductive technology treatment if the viral infection/load is known, as applied to human immunodeficiency virus positive male patients at our Unit.