Ovarian hydrobursitis in female camels (Camelus dromedarius): the role of Chlamydophila abortus and a trial for medical treatment

The occurrence of Chlamydophila abortus in female camels affected with ovarian hydrobursitis and a trial for medical treatment were studied. A total of 111 cases were included in two experiments. In Experiment 1, sera from 51 affected cases were tested for C. abortus antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In Experiment 2, 60 female camels affected with bilateral ovarian hydrobursitis were divided into treated and control groups (n = 30 each). Based on the bursal diameter, females of both groups were subdivided into those having small (< 5 cm), medium (5-7 cm) or large (> 7 cm) bursae. Treated group received 20 mg/kg body weight oxytetracycline intramuscular, 4% lotagen intrauterine, and 500 μg cloprostenol intramuscular. Controls did not receive any treatment. All females were observed for 90 days non-return rate (NRR) and calving rate (CR). Antibodies against C. abortus were observed in 44/51 (86.3%) of the affected females. The 90 days NRR of the treated and control groups were 13/30 (43.3%) and 0/30 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.001), while the CR were 10/30 (33.3%) and 0/30 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.01). Based on bursal size, the 90 days NRR were 11/15 (73.3%), 2/7 (28.6%) and 0/8 (0.0%) for treated females having small, medium and large bursa, while the CR were 9/15 (60%), 1/7 (14.3%), and 0/8 (0.0%), respectively, (P = 0.01). In conclusion, it seems that C. abortus may be responsible for the spreading of the ovarian hydrobursitis syndrome in dromedaries. Small sized bursa could be medically treated.     

Microorganisms within Human Follicular Fluid: Effects on IVF

Our previous study reported microorganisms in human follicular fluid. The objective of this study was to test human follicular fluid for the presence of microorganisms and to correlate these findings with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. In this study, 263 paired follicular fluids and vaginal swabs were collected from women undergoing IVF cycles, with various causes for infertility, and were cultured to detect microorganisms. The cause of infertility and the IVF outcomes for each woman were correlated with the microorganisms detected within follicular fluid collected at the time of trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval. Microorganisms isolated from follicular fluids were classified as: (1) ‘colonizers’ if microorganisms were detected within the follicular fluid, but not within the vaginal swab (at the time of oocyte retrieval); or (2) ‘contaminants’ if microorganisms detected in the vagina at the time of oocyte retrieval were also detected within the follicular fluid. The presence of Lactobacillus spp. in ovarian follicular fluids was associated with embryo maturation and transfer. This study revealed microorganisms in follicular fluid itself and that the presence of particular microorganisms has an adverse affect on IVF outcomes as seen by an overall decrease in embryo transfer rates and pregnancy rates in both fertile and infertile women, and live birth rates in women with idiopathic infertility. Follicular fluid microorganisms are a potential cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in IVF in both infertile women and in fertile women with infertile male partners.     

Elevated inhibin concentration in the follicular fluid of dairy cows with chronic cystic ovarian disease

This study compared serum and follicular fluid inhibin and gonadotropin profiles between chronic cystic ovarian diseased (CCOD) and normal cyclic dairy cows. Blood samples and follicular fluid were collected from CCOD cows (n=15) and cyclic cows in the follicular phase of the estrous cycle (control, n=6) and analyzed for inhibin, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. There was a significant increase in inhibin and a decrease in FSH and LH concentrations in the follicular fluid of CCOD cows compared with those of cyclic cows (P < 0.05). Mean serum inhibin, FSH and LH concentrations between CCOD and cyclic cows were not differnt (P > 0.05), however, there was a tendency for serum inhibin to be higher and FSH to be lower in CCOD cows compared to cyclic animals (P < 0.1). The FSH pulse frequency also was lower in CCOD cows than in cyclic cows (P < 0.05). These data suggest that increased production of inhibin from cystic follicles of CCOD cows alters pituitary FSH secretion and subsequently reduces the concentration of FSH in follicular fluid. As a result, decreased FSH stimulation at the ovarian level could ultimately lead to the reduction in follicular LH and FSH receptor concentrations, resulting in abnormal follicular steroidogenesis in CCOD dairy cows.     

Serum allotypes in ovarian follicular fluids of pigs

Summary. Sera and ovarian follicular fluids of 158 sows were tested with 27 allotype reagents. Immunodiffusion in agar gel (microtest) and haemagglutination inhibition were used as detection methods.
Out of eight 'individual' (Lpb 1,-2,-3,-4,-5,-6,-7,-9) and four 'common' (Lpb 12,-13,-14,-16) specificities of serum beta-lipoproteins (LDL), 11 were present in sera, but none in follicular fluids. On the other hand, Lpr 1 and Lpr (x) allotypes of the VHDL + VLDL beta-lipoprotein system were detected both in sera and in follicular fluids. Of four antigens of the Gp system (Gp A,-a, -B,-b), only the 'dominant' characters, Gp A and Gp B, occurred in the follicular fluid. The typing of polymorphic IgG immunoglobulins (IgG-a or IgG-b system) showed that B1 or A2, B2 or A1 and B3 or A(x) allotypes could be detected both in serum and follicular fluid. Among allotypes that were not yet genetically classified, only the P3 specificity was not found in the population tested. The G1 allotype (preliminarily described as an alpha-globulin) was present in sera only, and the remaining allotypes, G9, P1, P16 and P23 (alpha- or beta-globulins) were present both in sera and follicular fluids.
The mechanism of the transmission of serum proteins into ovarian follicles and their possible importance is discussed.     

Serum allotypes in ovarian follicular fluids of pigs

Sera and ovarian follicular fluids of 158 sows were tested with 27 allotype reagents. Immunodiffusion in agar gel (microtest) and haemagglutination inhibition were used as detection methods. Out of eight 'individual' (Lpb 1,-2,-3,-4,-5,-6,-7,-9) and four 'common' (Lpb 12,-13,-14,-16) specificities of serum beta-lipoproteins (LDL), 11 were present in sera, but none in follicular fluids. On the other hand, Lpr 1 and Lpr (x) allotypes of the VHDL + VLDL beta-lipoprotein system were detected both in sera and in follicular fluids. Of four antigens of the Gp system (Gp A,-a, -B,-b), only the 'dominant' characters, Gp A and Gp B, occurred in the follicular fluid. The typing of polymorphic IgG immunoglobulins (IgG-a or IgG-b system) showed that B1 or A2, B2 or A1 and B3 or A(x) allotypes could be detected both in serum and follicular fluid. Among allotypes that were not yet genetically classified, only the P3 specificity was not found in the population tested. The G1 allotype (preliminarily described as an alpha-globulin) was present in sera only, and the remaining allotypes, G9, P1, P16 and P23 (alpha- or beta-globulins) were present both in sera and follicular fluids. The mechanism of the transmission of serum proteins into ovarian follicles and their possible importance is discussed.     

Retrospective study on an unusual form of ovario-bursal pathology in the camel (Camelus dromedarius)

A peculiar form of ovarian bursa pathology, called hydrobursitis, is described in the dromedary camel. This malformation is characterized by a collection of fluid within the ovarian bursa with encapsulation of the ovary. Retrospective study of all diagnosed cases in our laboratory shows that this malformation is responsible for reduced reproductive performance due to abortion, infertility and embryonic death. Hydrobursitis was diagnosed in 33 of 355 animals examined. The incidence of this lesion was higher in animals that aborted (9/24) or were barren for more than 2 years (13/37). Diagnosis by palpation per rectum and ultrasonography, is described. Gross pathological and biochemical studies on specimens collected at surgery or in the slaughterhouse showed that the fluid is hemorrhagic and that it could be a mixture of blood and follicular fluid. Bacteriological and cytological studies were inconclusive. The origin of this lesion is discussed in light of genetic, pathological and management factors. Loss of embryos in affected animals could be due to the effect of increased tension on the uterus caused by the accumulation of fluid which ranged in volume from 250 mL to 4240 mL. The condition was treated in several females by surgical ablation. Embryo transfer was used in females that were bilaterally affected and underwent a bilateral ovariectomy. Pregnancy and calving rates were 52.5% and 38.1% for unilaterally ovariectomized females bred after surgery and 33.3% and 22.2% for bilaterally ovariectomized females used as embryo recipients after surgery. These results show that involvement of the uterus in this malformation is very limited and that surgery can be considered for valuable animals if they are unilaterally affected.     

Ovarian hydrobursitis in female camels (Camelus dromedarius): clinical findings, histopathology and fertility after unilateral surgical ablation

This study was undertaken to verify the clinical signs, incidence, location, etiology and pathology of ovarian hydrobursitis in infertile female camels and estimate the fertility after unilateral surgical ablation. Genital organs (n = 124) were examined in camels slaughtered at Makkah abattoir during Hajj of 2009. Infertile female camels (n = 142) presented for management to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, were clinically examined and ultrasound-scanned for the diagnosis of genital abnormalities. Twenty eight camels diagnosed with ovarian hydrobursitis were further investigated for the effect of unilateral surgical ablation on breeding outcomes. Surgical ablation was carried on 14 cases (treated group), the remaining 14 cases were followed as controls (control group). Both groups were observed for breeding results: 90 days non-return rate (90d NRR) and calving rate (CR). Removed bursae were sent to the laboratory for histopathological investigation. Results showed that the incidence of ovarian hydrobursitis was 6.5% in slaughtered camels and 33.8% in infertile females. Camels with hydrobursitis were concurrently affected with pyometra, uterine and vaginal adhesions or purulent endometritis. Histopathology reported degeneration and hyperplasia of the lining epithelium, mononuclear cells infiltration, focal aggregation of inflammatory cells, cystic dilatation of multi-acinal structures, tiny hemorrhages, and presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages. The 90d NRR and CR of the surgically-treated cases were 64.3% and 50%, respectively. None of the untreated cases conceived. These results confirmed that ovarian hydrobursitis causes infertility in dromedary female camels and is associated with inflammatory genital conditions and surgical ablation in unilaterally affected animals presents a potential treatment.     

Immune complexes of E. coli antigens and maternal IgG in the bursa of Fabricius

The bursa of Fabricius of the chicken is known to be both a primary lymphoid organ and a secondary lymphoid tissue. Bursal follicles are equipped with antigen-trapping follicle-associated epithelium. However, bioactive antigens such as protein and bacteria have not been detected in the bursal parenchyma. By immunoperoxidase staining with a polyspecific antibody (Ab) against Escherichia coli, we detected aggregated E. coli antigens in the medulla of bursal follicles after hatching. The distribution of aggregated E. coli antigens is restricted to the medulla of bursal follicles. The antigens are not found in the spleen or the parenchyma of the caecal tonsil. The bursa is thus a trapping site for E. coli antigens from the external environment. Furthermore, two-color immunostaining clarified that these antigens form immune complexes with maternal IgG (MIgG) and are retained by reticular cells. Additionally, immune complexes in the bursa were shown to induce the rapid development of serum IgM Ab for indigenous E. coli. Our results suggest that immune complexes of MIgG and environmental antigens in the medulla of bursal follicles exert positive effects on B-cell differentiation in the bursa in situ.     

Inhibition of gonadotropin sensitive adenylate cyclase by ovarian follicular fluid.

Follicular fluid obtained from medium or large bovine ovarian follicles inhibited ovarian luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin sensitive adenylate cyclase in a dose-dependent manner (I₅₀ = 3 mg follicular fluid protein/ml). The inhibitory activity was excluded by Sephadex G-10 and was fully retained following treatment with charcoal. Fluoride-stimulated enzyme activity was not inhibited. Binding of ¹²⁵I human chorionic gonadotropin to ovarian plasma membranes was only slightly reduced by the follicular fluid. The post-microsomal supernatant of homogenates from ovaries of immature (27-day-old) rats collected 24–36 h after treatment with 15 i.u. of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin also inhibited luteinizing hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase. The extent of this inhibition seemed to decline with follicular maturation. The possibility is raised that ovarian sulfated glycosaminoglycans are responsible for the observed inhibition of adenylate cyclase.     

Prolactin in follicular fluid and intracellular store calcium in follicular cells are related to morphological signs of ovarian follicle atresia in cows: work in progress

It is known that prolactin (PRL) is the third pituitary hormone serving gonadotropic function in mammals. However, its role in the regulation of ovarian folliculogenesis and, in particular, its relationship to follicular atresia as well as the mechanism of its influence on follicular cells are poorly understood. We investigated PRL levels in follicular fluids (FFs) and intracellular store calcium ([Ca2+]is) in cell walls of bovine ovarian follicles with diameters of 10 to 20 mm and their relationship to follicular atresia. Ovarian follicles were categorized on the basis of macroscopic criteria and of microscopic examination of granulosa cell (GC) smears. Prolactin concentrations in FFs were measured by RIA and levels of [Ca2+]is in follicular cells were determined by using the fluorophore chlortetracycline. Compared to atretic follicles, morphologically normal follicles were characterized by higher concentrations of PRL in FFs (P < 0.001) and lower contents of [Ca2+]is in follicular cells (P < 0.01). Furthermore, follicles containing no more than 20% of pycnotic GCs had higher levels of PRL in their fluids than those containing over 40% of pycnotic GCs (P < 0.05). Finally, the direct effect of PRL on [Ca2+]is content in follicular cells was studied in vitro. Compared to control, PRL decreased (P < 0.001) the levels of [Ca2+]is in the cells after 24 h culture of follicular walls from morphologically normal follicles in TCM 199 supplemented by 10% fetal calf serum. Our findings suggest that the decline of PRL concentrations in FFs and the rise of [Ca2+]is contents in follicular cells are related to atresia of large bovine follicles and that there appears to be a relationship between the two biochemical parameters.     

Effect of repeatedly sensitized bursal extract on the resistance of WLH chickens to experimental infection of Ancylostoma caninum larvae

Goyal P. K. and Johri G. N. 1982. Effect of repeatedly sensitized bursal extract on the resistance of WLH chickens to experimental infection of Ancylostoma caninum larvae. International Journal for Parasitology12: 245–249. Bursal extract from chickens, repeatedly sensitized with Ancylostoma caninum larvae and from normal nonsensitized donor WLH chickens were injected separately into experimental and control groups of isologous recipients of same age and weight. Extract from donors infected with repeatedly high dose (250 + 250 + 500) and low dose (125 + 125 + 250) of A. caninum larvae produced significantly greater acquired immunity in recipients compared to those which received nonsensitized (normal) extract. However, no significant difference was observed between the two experimental groups.     

Serum lipoproteins and albumin in the lecithin: Cholesterol acyltransferase reaction

The unique features of pig ovarian follicular fluids, i.e., presence of high density lipoprotein (HDL) only and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.43; LCAT) activity, provides a good model to study the effect of serum lipoproteins and serum albumin on the LCAT reaction. $\text{In}\text{vitro}$ cholesterol esterification is enhanced when very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fractions are added, but is inhibited when one or the other of these lipoproteins is absent. High concentrations of HDL₂ result in decreased activation which can be compensated for by the addition of the VLDL-LDL mixture. These findings suggest that the rate of cholesterol esterification in ovarian follicular fluid may be enhanced by providing the exogenous VLDL and LDL as the recipients of HDL-cholesteryl ester. The inhibition of LCAT activity caused by free fatty acid and lysophosphatidylcholine can be partially reversed by the addition of serum albumin, suggesting that serum albumin may regulate the LCAT reaction.     

Growth hormone but not prolactin concentrations in the fluid of bovine ovarian cysts are related to the cystic stage of luteinization

Regulation of follicular growth and ovulation as well as steroid production by the ovary depends principally on gonadotropins. However nonsteroid systemic hormones and autocrine and paracrine factors contribute to the regulation of ovarian function. The objectives of the present work were 1) to asses the presence of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in fluid drawn from normal bovine ovarian follicles, cysts or cystic corpora lutea; 2) to relate the stage of luteinization of the cyst with the GH and PRL concentrations in fluids; and 3) to asses the feasibility of providing a defined nonsteroid hormone marker to distinguish between normal and pathological ovarian structures. Cysts were classified according to histological and morphological appearance as follicular or luteal. Concentrations of GH, PRL, estrogens (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) were measured in follicular and cystic fluids. On the basis of the E2 to P4 ratio, ovarian formation classes were further divided into two subclasses (E2 dominant and P4 dominant). The results provide evidence of 1) the presence of immunoreactive GH and PRL in all the follicular and cystic fluids assayed, 2) an increasing concentration of GH correlated to the stage of luteinization of the cyst and a direct correlation between GH and P4 concentrations, 3) a significant variability of intraovarian fluid PRL concentration not related to the histological class of the cyst nor to the concentrations of steroid hormones examined, and 4) the possibility of distinguishing 6 different ovarian formation classes by merely measuring GH, P4, E2 and T concentrations in fluids. These data contribute to a better understanding of the endocrine milieu of bovine ovarian cystic degeneration.     

Trypanosoma evansi: Levels of copper, iron and zinc in the bloodstream of infected cats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of copper, iron and zinc in blood serum of cats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Animals were divided into two groups: control and infected with T. evansi. The animals were infected with 10⁸ trypomastigotes each and parasitemia was estimated daily for 56 days by microscopic examination of smears. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated for monitoring of the disease. Serum metal levels were determined in blood samples collected at days 7, 28 and 56 of the experiment. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to measure the levels of copper, iron and zinc. Significant differences were observed among groups (P < 0.05). Increased levels of copper and decreased iron and zinc levels were observed. A decrease in the number of red blood cells was also observed 7 days after inoculation. Biochemical parameters were not altered. Therefore, the infection by T. evansi might alter the serum metal levels, causing metabolic disturbances in cats.     

Metabolite and ionic composition of follicular fluid from different-sized follicles and their relationship to serum concentrations in dairy cows

Metabolic changes in blood serum may be reflected in the biochemical composition of follicular fluid and could indirectly influence oocyte quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the biochemical composition of follicular fluid harvested from different-sized follicles and its relationship with that of blood serum in dairy cattle. Following slaughter, blood samples were collected from dairy cows (n=30) and follicular fluid aspirated from three size classes of non-atretic follicles (<4 mm, 6–8 mm and >10 mm diameter). Samples remained independent between cows and between size classes within cows. Serum and follicular fluid samples were assayed using commercial clinical and photometric chemistry assays for ions (sodium, potassium and chloride) and metabolites (glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB), lactate, urea, total protein, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and total cholesterol). Results showed that follicular fluid concentrations of glucose, β-OHB and total cholesterol increased from small to large follicles and decreased for potassium, chloride, lactate, urea and triglycerides. There was a significant concentration gradient for all variables between their levels in serum and follicular fluid (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed for chloride (r=0.40), glucose (r=0.56), β-OHB (r=0.85), urea (r=0.95) and total protein (r=0.60) for all three follicle size classes and for triglycerides (r=0.43), NEFA (r=0.50) and total cholesterol (r=0.42) for large follicles (P<0.05). The results from the present study suggest that the oocyte and the granulosa cells of dairy cows grow and mature in a biochemical environment that changes from small to large follicles. Furthermore, the significant correlation between the composition of serum and follicular fluid for the above-mentioned metabolites suggests that metabolic changes in serum levels will be reflected in the follicular fluid and, therefore, may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.     

Direct effects of ovine follicular fluid on ovarian steroid secretion and expression of markers of cellular differentiation in sheep

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ovine follicular fluid (FF) treatment (with or without FSH replacement) during the late follicular phase on plasma concentrations of gonadotrophins and the development of the ovulatory follicle. Ovarian steroid secretion and expression of mRNA encoding inhibin alpha and beta A, beta B subunits, P450 aromatase and P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase were used as endpoints. After induction of luteolysis by injection of 100 micrograms cloprostenol on days 10-12, Scottish Blackface ewes were allocated to one of three groups: (1) control (n = 7): no further treatment; (2) FF (n = 9): subcutaneous injections of 3 ml steroid-free ovine follicular fluid at 9 h intervals, 18 and 27 h after cloprostenol injection; (3) FF + FSH (n = 8): injections of follicular fluid as above plus subcutaneous injections of 0.36 iu ovine FSH at 6 h intervals, 18, 24, and 30 h after cloprostenol injection. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained via indwelling cannulae at 6 h intervals from 0 to 36 h after cloprostenol injection, and at 10 min intervals from 12 to 18 h (control phase) and from 30 to 36 h after cloprostenol injection (treatment phase). At laparotomy, 36 h after cloprostenol injection, ovarian venous blood was collected and ovaries were removed and processed for in situ hybridization. Plasma concentrations of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH) and oestradiol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Follicular fluid treatment resulted in a decrease (P < 0.001) in FSH concentrations associated with an acute decrease in ovarian steroid secretion (P < 0.01) and a specific depression in P450 aromatase, (P < 0.001), inhibin-activin beta B subunit (P < 0.05) and thecal LH receptor (P < 0.001) expression. Follicular fluid treatment had no effect on inhibin-activin alpha and beta A, subunit or P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase expression. FSH co-treatment with follicular fluid restored circulating FSH concentrations to normal values and reversed some of the effects of follicular fluid (androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone secretion, and inhibin beta B and thecal LH receptor expression) but not oestradiol secretion or P450 aromatase expression. It was concluded that the actions of follicular fluid are mediated via both central effects on pituitary FSH secretion and by direct ovarian effects on granulosa cell aromatase activity. The results indicate that follicular fluid contains a factor that inhibits aromatase activity of granulosa cells directly and may play a role in the selection of the dominant follicle.     

Biochemical changes in the transition from vitellogenesis to follicular atresia in the hematophagous Dipetalogaster maxima (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

In this work, we have explored the biochemical changes characterizing the transition from vitellogenesis to follicular atresia, employing the hematophagous insect vector Dipetalogaster maxima as a model. Standardized insect rearing conditions were established to induce a gradual follicular degeneration stage by depriving females of blood meal during post-vitellogenesis. For the studies, hemolymph and ovaries were sampled at representative days of pre-vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis and early and late follicular atresia. When examined by scanning electron microscopy, ovarioles at the initial stage of atresia were small but still showed some degree of asynchronism, a feature that was lost in an advanced degeneration state. At late follicular atresia, in vivo uptake assays of fluorescently labeled vitellogenin (Vg-FITC) showed loss of competitiveness of oocytes to uptake vitellogenin. Circulating vitellogenin levels in atresia were significantly higher than those registered at pre-vitellogenesis, most likely to maintain appropriate conditions for another gonotrophic cycle if a second blood meal is available. Follicular atresia was also characterized by partial proteolysis of vitellin, which was evidenced in ovarian homogenates by western blot. When the activity of ovarian peptidases upon hemoglobin (a non-specific substrate) was tested, higher activities were detected at early and late atresia whereas the lowest activity was found at vitellogenesis. The activity upon hemoglobin was significantly inhibited by pepstatin A (an aspartic peptidase inhibitor), and was not affected by E64 (a cysteine peptidase inhibitor) at any tested conditions. The use of specific fluorogenic substrates demonstrated that ovarian homogenates at early follicular atresia displayed high cathepsin D-like activity, whereas no activity of either, cathepsin B or L was detected. Mass spectrometry analysis of the digestion products of the substrate Abz-AIAFFSRQ-EDDnp further confirmed the presence of a cathepsin D-like peptidase in ovarian tissue. In the context of our findings, the early activation of cathepsin D-like peptidase could be relevant in promoting yolk protein recycling and/or enhancing follicle removal.     

Hormone-Dependent Bacterial Growth,Persistence and Biofilm Formation – A Pilot Study Investigating Human Follicular Fluid Collected during IVF Cycles

Human follicular fluid, considered sterile, is aspirated as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. However, it is easily contaminated by the trans-vaginal collection route and little information exists in its potential to support the growth of microorganisms. The objectives of this study were to determine whether human follicular fluid can support bacterial growth over time, whether the steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone (present at high levels within follicular fluid) contribute to the in vitro growth of bacterial species, and whether species isolated from follicular fluid form biofilms. We found that bacteria in follicular fluid could persist for at least 28 weeks in vitro and that the steroid hormones stimulated the growth of some bacterial species, specifically Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. Streptococcus spp. and E. coli. Several species, Lactobacillus spp., Propionibacterium spp., and Streptococcus spp., formed biofilms when incubated in native follicular fluids in vitro (18/24, 75%). We conclude that bacteria aspirated along with follicular fluid during IVF cycles demonstrate a persistent pattern of growth. This discovery is important since it can offer a new avenue for investigation in infertile couples.