Introduction: In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of intrauterine devices (IUDs) on cervico-vaginal colonization.
Methodology: Cervico-vaginal samples of 96 patients with vaginal discharge were included in the study. Microscopic evaluation, bacteriological and fungal culture, and antigen testing for Chlamydia trachomatis using an immunochromatographic test method were performed.
Results: Trichomonas vaginalis was not detected by wet mount examination. Gram smear revealed that seven patients (7.3%) had Candida spp. and five (5.2%) had clue cell. Of the 96 swabs tested for conventional culture, pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from 24 patients. While Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not found in any of the sample, five (5.2%) were positive for Gardnerella vaginalis. Five (5.2%) were positive for C. trachomatis antigen, while three positivity only for C. trachomatis antigen, one had G. vaginalis additionally, and the other had a mixed infection. Chlamydial antigen positivity was higher among women over 30 years of age (p = 0.157). Increase in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PNL) was detected 40% and 35.2% of samples, positive and negative, for chlamydial antigen, respectively (p = 1.000). Among IUD+ cases, increase in PNL, fungal elements, E. coli and Gram-positive bacteria and decrease in Lactobacillus spp. were observed, compared to IUD-cases. No statistically significant relationship was detected between IUD and chlamydial antigen with the reported rates of 4.8% and 5.6% for IUD+ or IUD-, respectively (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Statistically significant relationship was not detected between IUD and cervico-vaginal colonization. More comprehensive studies using specific test methods should be conducted to better understand the relationship.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3855/jidc.6006 | DOI Listing |
Curr Opin Infect Dis
February 2025
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Purpose Of Review: Effective vaccines to prevent sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection have eluded researchers for decades. However, recent studies of a promising vaccine in human trials, and emerging understanding of the complexity of the natural immune response to infection have provided hope for the eventual approval of a vaccine. This review highlights recent progress toward developing effective vaccines for Ct.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVaccine
December 2024
Infectious Disease Immunology, Center for Vaccine Research, SSI, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address:
Mucosal secretory IgA (SIgA) produced by subepithelial plasma cells in the lamina propria is the major antigen-specific defense mechanism against mucosal infections. We investigated if a retinoic acid (RA)-containing adjuvant in parenteral immunization, can induce vaccine-specific SIgA in the jejunal lumen in a dose-dependent manner in neonatal pigs immunized with a Chlamydia hybrid antigen. To accurately quantify SIgA responses in mucosal secretions, an antigen-specific ELISA method with secondary detection of porcine secretory component rather than IgA was developed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
December 2024
Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
Chlamydiosis is a common infectious disease impacting koalas and is a major cause of population decline due to resulting mortality and infertility. Polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes influence chlamydial disease outcomes in several species but koala studies have produced variable results. We aimed to identify the MHC II DAB and DBB repertoire of koalas from Liverpool Plains, NSW, a population heavily impacted by chlamydiosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt Immunopharmacol
December 2024
Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:
Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 protein-induced immunoprotection is effective but incomplete, which requires the suitable adjuvants to enhance its immune response. Within this context, Hepatitis B core virus-like particles (HBc-VLP) emerge as nanoscale protein particles capable of incorporating either endogenous or exogenous antigens or epitopes. In this study, HBc-Pgp3 chimeric protein was accomplished by integrating the identified dominant epitope of the Pgp3 protein into the major immunodominant region of a truncated HBc-VLP, which was realized in the pET28a (+) vector and expressed via the E.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Negl Trop Dis
December 2024
Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
Background: Trachoma programs use the indicator trachomatous inflammation--follicular (TF) to monitor indication for and response to treatment for trachoma at the district level. Alternative indicators, including serologic markers, are increasingly being evaluated for trachoma surveillance. We evaluated seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to the Pgp3 antigen in two districts in Maradi, Niger thought to have low TF prevalence.
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