Use of a novel washing method combining multiple density gradients and trypsin for removing human immunodeficiency virus-1 hepatitis C from semen

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a novel treatment designed to remove human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -1, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from spiked semen and to evaluate sperm motility and viability after treatment. Design: A prospective clinical laboratory-based study. Setting: The human studies were conducted in academic and national research environments. The bovine study was conducted in an accredited research facility. Patient(s): Healthy volunteers provided the semen samples used in the human studies; abattoir derived material was used for the bovine embryo production study. Interventions(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cytopathic, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and branched DNA assays were used to test the efficacy of the procedure for inactivating or removing viruses from spiked semen; standard semen evaluation criteria were used to assess the effects of the procedures on sperm motility and viability. Result(s): Trypsin exposure significantly reduced the infectivity of HIV-1. The triple density gradient treatment, with or without trypsin, had no detrimental affect on fresh or cryopreserved/thawed sperm 2-48 hours after treatment. The treatment of semen spiked with HIV-1 or HCV indicated that the procedure was effective for reducing viral copies to undetectable levels or below levels of clinical relevance. Conclusion(s): The procedure was effective for significantly inactivating or reducing HIV-1 and HCV in spiked semen without adversely affecting sperm quality. (Ferfil Sterile (R) 2005;84:1001-10. (c) 2005 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)