New Strategies for Microbiological Control in Reproduction

Dear Colleagues，

The use of different strategies to avoid microbial contamination is essential in the different reproductive techniques. In artificial insemination of domestic animals, antibiotics are added to semen extenders, and prophylaxis is a common strategy in hormonally synchronized females to prevent infections that would compromise the success of the whole procedure.

Regarding human reproduction, antibiotic prophylaxis is also used to prevent potential infections derived from different assisted reproductive technologies, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer. However, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended as a general procedure, both because of secondary effects and as a strategy to slow down the appearance of antibiotic resistance. In fact, different infections of the reproductive tract that have been traditionally treated with antibiotics are becoming resistant to these agents and the need for new candidate strategies to treat them has become an urgent task.

Different organizations worldwide have recommended the limitation of the use of antibiotics to avoid the appearance of new antibiotic-resistance organisms, which is a priority issue to be addressed from all areas of health, including human and animal health to support One Health approach. Considering that, the limitation and promotion of alternatives to antibiotic use in reproduction is one of the main objectives that must be achieved in the short time.

This Topic is focused into finding new strategies for microbial control in reproduction, including animal and human species.

Dr. Ariadna Delgado
Dr. Jordi Ribas-Maynou
Dr. Carolina Maside
Dr. Lorena Padilla
Topic Editors