P-092 Interaction of male and female genital microbiota in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology

Abstract Study question Is there a crosstalk between the male and female genital microbiota of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome this treatment. Summary answer Despite presence bacteria linked with bacterial vaginosis in samples, appears to be very limited impact on partners. What is known already In recent years, thanks advancements sequencing technologies, has been explored extensively many its roles human physiology were deciphered. Compared counterpart, understudied. Presence sperm was generally associated pathological condition, but reports indicate that tract colonized by even good quality semen contains bacteria. Previously three main profiles identified, two these composed bacteria, usually found vagina, indicating could shared partners during sexual intercourse. design, size, duration Prospective observational study including 65 receiving ART 2018 2020 at single fertility center Switzerland, investigate interaction microbiota. Samples collected swabbing penile skin seminal fluid as well vagina follicular fluid. Participants/materials, setting, methods 64 infertile direct sampling (vagina penis glans) or immersion biological (follicular semen). Follicular obtained oocyte pick-up. Sampling glans (self-sampling) performed same day. 16S rRNA profiling (next generation sequencing) used characterize populations samples using previously developed pipeline. Main results role chance Lactobacillus spp. highly prevalent especially vaginal samples. Generally, different showed highest alpha diversity. had low biomass. iners most species This also case for although abundance lower. For patients, comparison beta diversities intra-individual more similar compared sample types from individuals. The opposite observed where inter-individual differences less marked woman. Similar analyses evaluate relatedness couple, allowing us estimate possible high values, several cases intra-couple dissimilarities significantly lower when type Analysis differently abundant taxa showed, expected, genus enriched along Atopobium A higher number genera specifically Prevotella, Campylobacter Mobiluncus among others. Limitations, reasons caution Limitations are, it only patients included relatively small. Wider implications findings Our suggest colonization, despite negatively reproduction. Future analysis influence activity microbial composition should comprise before after Trial registration not applicable