Screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Chlamydia in Couples Seeking Assisted Reproductive Technology at a Private Health Facility

Abstract

Background: Infertile couples are increasingly seeking assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially those with tubal factor and male factor infertility. It is important for assisted reproduction centres to have a well-defined protocol for the routine screening of reproductive tract infections based on local prevalence of the diseases or specific considerations. There is paucity of data on the rationale for the screening of HIV, HBV and chlamydia infection among infertile couples seeking ART in Nigeria.
Objective: The study is to assess the need for routine screening of infertile couples for HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections before commencement of treatment.
Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study of 321 infertile couples, who sought ART at the Omni Medical Centre during a two-year period. After obtaining consent, the couples were routinely screened for HIV antibody, Hepatitis B surface antigen and chlamydial antibody. The recommended standard immunoassay tests were used for the screening. The couples had pre-test and post-test counselling.
Results: Of the 321 infertile couples, 68.8% had secondary infertile. The median duration of infertility was 60 months with a range of 12 to 360 months. The mean age for females was 35.9 ± 6.1 years and for their male partners was 41.7 ± 6.6 years. Overall, the prevalence of HIV, HBV and chlamydia among the couples were 2%, 2.8% and 3.7% respectively.
Conclusion: The prevalence rates of HIV, HBV and chlamydial infections were generally low among infertile couples seeking ART. However, routine screening should be offered to infertile couples seeking ART as part of infection control and prevention, and for medico-legal reasons.

Keywords: HIV, HBV, Chlamydia, Infertility, Assisted conception, Nigeria