Is it safe to continue with gamete cryopreservation during the pandemic? A literature review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by a novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and is proving to be an unprecedented disaster for world health. However, the virus’s pathogenic mechanisms with regard to reproductive system remain poorly understood. In addition, compounding the problem is that many cases do not appear to show any disease signs. In ART, the cryopreservation of reproductive cells and tissues represents an important aspect that might be particularly strategic and helpful in this scenario. Cryobanking, an essential service, carries the risk of cross-contamination through cryogenic medium and calls for risk mitigation strategies. This review aims to address the available literature on the safety of cryopreservation of gametes at pandemic times. Strategies for risk mitigation have been extrapolated from reports dealing with other viruses to the current global crisis. At present, critical threats are still undefined and represent potential adverse events due to the cryopreservation of infected gametes that subsequently respread the virus.