First evidence for the existence of Simkania negevensis in the genitalia of human females

Abstract

IntroductionSimkania negevensis has been linked to some respiratory and non-respiratory diseases. However, there is still a serious lack of clinical investigations that attempt to determine possible body sites that could be inhabited by this microorganism and evaluate its true pathogenic capacity. The goal of this study was to examine the potential presence of Simkania and its prevalence in the genital tract of human adult females. MethodsLower vaginal swabs from 169 Jordanian adult females who attended Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic were collected and tested for Simkania DNA by PCR method. ResultsThe presence of bacterial nucleic acids was confirmed in the genital system of adult females with an overall prevalence of 24.26% (41/169). Interestingly, the positivity of Simkania DNA was significantly higher in women of reproductive age than females of non-reproductive age (28.03% versus 10.81%; p≤0.05). Moreover, the presence of S. negevensis was evident in approximately 43% of females suffering from vaginal itching and/or abnormal discharge, exhibiting about two-fold increase in the positivity rate compared to detection rates assessed for women who attended the clinic for routine checkup or menstruation problems. However, the current work failed to find any link between the bacterial agent and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). ConclusionsThis study showed for the first time the presence of S. negevensis in the genitalia of human females. These novel data could provide a basis to clarify the exact role of S. negevensis in the female genitalia and its potential involvement in genital system disorders.