Genital Tract Of Women Research Articles

Verruca Vulgaris of the Vulva in Children and Adults: A Nonvenereal Type of Vulvar Wart

Condyloma acuminata are common lesions of the vulva in adults, and associated with infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, which are acquired via sexual contact. The detection of an HPV 6/11 condyloma in the genital tract of a child, therefore, raises the question of sexual abuse. In this study, 29 genital warts in girls less than 5 years of age were examined for nongenital and genital tract HPVs by in situ hybridization. These results were compared with 275 vulvar lesions clinically suspicious for condyloma from adults. Of the 27 HPV-related lesions in young girls, 11 (41%) were due to HPV 2 whereas the other 16 (59%) were associated with HPV 6/11 infection. Of the 214/275 (78%) HPV positive vulvar lesions in adults, 6 (3%) were due to HPV 2 whereas 202/214 (94%) contained HPVs 6/11; 1 lesion contained HPV 16 and the 5 other lesions contained HPV 42, 43, or 44. Histologic correlation documented that the vulvar lesions positive for HPV 2 commonly showed the marked hyperkeratosis typical of verruca vulgaris. However, the verrucous pattern was present in lesions HPV 6/11 positive. It is concluded that verruca vulgaris of the vulva, which is likely not transmitted sexually, can occur, albeit rarely, in the genital tract of women and is common in the genital tracts of young girls. This highlights the value of HPV testing in such cases, especially if the histologic changes are consistent with verruca vulgaris.

Differential Modulation of Human Lactoferrin Activity against Both R5 and X4-HIV-1 Adsorption on Epithelial Cells and Dendritic Cells by Natural Antibodies

Human lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron binding glycoprotein that is present in several mucosal secretions. Many biological functions have been ascribed to Lf. In the present study, we showed that Lf limited specifically adsorption of R5- and X4-HIV-1-free particles on endometrial epithelial HEC-1A cells, by inhibiting virus adsorption on heparan-sulfated proteoglycans. But, Lf did not interfere with both R5 and X4-HIV transcytosis. We showed also the efficacy of Lf in preventing R5 and X4-HIV capture by dendritic cells. Conversely, we demonstrated that Lf-reacting natural Abs (NAbs) present within i.v. Ig-enhanced HIV attachment on dendritic cells by forming HIV-Lf-NAbs. HIV particles were able to directly interact with Lf following its interaction with NAbs. We also found Lf-reacting natural Abs within cervicovaginal secretions, suggesting the existence of Lf-NAbs complexes in women genital tract in vivo. In conclusion, this study highlights Lf as a potent microbicides and reports new function for NAbs within the genital compartment that may compartment that may abolish the inhibitory activity of microbicide compounds. Thus, we proposed a model in which Lf would appear as a double-edged sword that could have beneficial or detrimental effects depending on both cellular and molecular environments. This study highlights the use of Lf derivates as microbicide candidates to limit such interferences.

Detection of human papillomavirus in organs of upper genital tract in women with cervical cancer

In this study, we evaluated the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in organs of the female upper genital tract, using nine hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimens affected by HPV-positive invasive cervical carcinomas, to establish if cervical HPV infection can spread to upper tracts of the female genital system. HPV DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all cervical carcinomas as well as in all tracts of the genital system. Then, these data were compared with the results obtained from PCR study of five other hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimens (control cases). The criteria used for selection of the control cases were informed consent of the patients for research at the time of surgery, absence of neoplasms, absence of any anatomic lesion caused by HPV in cervix, and external genitalia. All selected cases were squamous cervical carcinomas. PCR analysis revealed HPV DNA in all cases of cervical carcinoma. The HPV DNA was detected as weak positivity on PCR analysis in other organs of the genital system. However, the distribution of HPV DNA varied in the various cases and in the different tracts of the same hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimen. We believe that the HPV DNA, detected as a weakly positive signal, in the upper genital tract of patients who have a cervical squamous carcinoma could be a reflection of a latent HPV infection, as well as a sign of the existence of micrometastases containing HPV DNA, which cannot be detected by conventional histologic techniques.

Detection of human papillomavirus in organs of upper genital tract in women with cervical cancer

In this study, we evaluated the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in organs of the female upper genital tract, using nine hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimens affected by HPV-positive invasive cervical carcinomas, to establish if cervical HPV infection can spread to upper tracts of the female genital system. HPV DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all cervical carcinomas as well as in all tracts of the genital system. Then, these data were compared with the results obtained from PCR study of five other hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimens (control cases). The criteria used for selection of the control cases were informed consent of the patients for research at the time of surgery, absence of neoplasms, absence of any anatomic lesion caused by HPV in cervix, and external genitalia. All selected cases were squamous cervical carcinomas. PCR analysis revealed HPV DNA in all cases of cervical carcinoma. The HPV DNA was detected as weak positivity on PCR analysis in other organs of the genital system. However, the distribution of HPV DNA varied in the various cases and in the different tracts of the same hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy specimen. We believe that the HPV DNA, detected as a weakly positive signal, in the upper genital tract of patients who have a cervical squamous carcinoma could be a reflection of a latent HPV infection, as well as a sign of the existence of micrometastases containing HPV DNA, which cannot be detected by conventional histologic techniques.

Involvement of the Female Genital Tract in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Involvement of the genital tract in women with pemphigus vulgaris has rarely been reported. We report 34 patients with pemphigus vulgaris who have involvement of the vulva, vagina, or both. We reviewed the clinical data on 34 women treated at a tertiary dermatology referral center from July 1988 to June 2005. Of 34 patients, 21 had labial involvement, 3 had vaginal involvement, and 10 had both labial and vaginal involvement. The mean age of onset of pemphigus vulgaris was 49 years. All patients had pemphigus vulgaris involvement at multiple other sites, and all had other mucous membrane involvement, most commonly oral (97%). Recurrent episodes of genital pemphigus vulgaris were noted in 35%, with a mean of 6 recurrences (range 1-11). In all the patients the pemphigus vulgaris was controlled with systemic and local therapy. Long-term follow-up for a mean of 76 months (range 9-204) indicated that no long-term sequela occurred due to genital involvement. Involvement of the female genital tract in pemphigus vulgaris is rare. Vulvar lesions occur more commonly than vaginal lesions. With appropriate topical and systemic therapy, patients can have full recovery with no sequelae. II-3.

Elevated T Cell Counts and RANTES Expression in the Genital Mucosa of HIV‐1–Resistant Kenyan Commercial Sex Workers

The initial site of exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 during heterosexual transmission occurs in the genital tract. Although the majority of immunological studies have focused on the immune response to HIV-1 at the systemic level, our understanding of tissue-specific immunity is deficient. The goal of the present study was to characterize T cell populations found in the cervix of women shown to be resistant to infection by HIV-1. Levels of both systemic and cervical mucosal lymphocytes were compared between HIV-1-resistant, HIV-1-uninfected, and HIV-1-infected commercial sex workers (CSWs) as well as HIV-1-uninfected non-CSW control subjects at low risk for exposure. The HIV-1-resistant CSWs had increased cervical CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts, compared with the HIV-1-uninfected CSWs; importantly, these increases were not reflected in the systemic lymphocyte compartment. There was a 2-fold increase in CD4+ T cell counts in the HIV-1-resistant CSWs, compared with both the HIV-1-infected and the HIV-1-uninfected CSWs. Expression of the HIV-1 coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4 was also determined, and cytokine and beta chemokine levels in the genital mucosa were assessed. The HIV-1-resistant CSWs had a 10-fold increase in RANTES expression, compared with the HIV-1-uninfected CSWs. This is the first study to show elevated levels of beta chemokines and CD4+ T cells in the genital tracts of women who are exposed to HIV-1 and yet are uninfected.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Genomic RNA Sequences in the Female Genital Tract and Blood: Compartmentalization and Intrapatient Recombination

Investigation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the genital tract of women is crucial to the development of vaccines and therapies. Previous analyses of HIV-1 in various anatomic sites have documented compartmentalization, with viral sequences from each location that were distinct yet phylogenetically related. Full-length RNA genomes derived from different compartments in the same individual, however, have not yet been studied. Furthermore, although there is evidence that intrapatient recombination may occur frequently, recombinants comprising viruses from different sites within one individual have rarely been documented. We compared full-length HIV-1 RNA sequences in the plasma and female genital tract, focusing on a woman with high HIV-1 RNA loads in each compartment who had been infected heterosexually and then transmitted HIV-1 by the same route. We cloned and sequenced 10 full-length HIV-1 RNA genomes from her genital tract and 10 from her plasma. We also compared viral genomes from the genital tract and plasma of four additional heterosexually infected women, sequencing 164 env and gag clones obtained from the two sites. Four of five women, including the one whose complete viral sequences were determined, displayed compartmentalized HIV-1 genomes. Analyses of full-length, compartmentalized sequences made it possible to document complex intrapatient HIV-1 recombinants that were composed of alternating viral sequences characteristic of each site. These findings demonstrate that the genital tract and blood harbor genetically distinct populations of replicating HIV-1 and provide evidence that recombination between strains from the two compartments contributes to rapid evolution of viral sequence variation in infected individuals.

Immune responses to human papillomavirus in genital tract of women with cervical cancer

Objectives To address a question whether immune responses to HPV infection play a role in control of cervical cancer, we analyzed systemic and mucosal immune responses to HPV in women who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer (HCC) or loop conization due to cervical dysplasia (LOOP), or had hysterectomy for other reasons (HNN). Methods HPV-specific antibodies in sera and vaginal washes were determined by ELISA using recombinant HPV 16 E7 oncoprotein. Cytokines in vaginal washes were assayed by Linco cytokine multiplex method using Luminex technology. Differential gene expression profiling in cervical tumor was determined by microarray analysis and Real-time RT-PCR. Results While levels of HPV-16 E7-specific IgG in vaginal wash were significantly higher in women undergoing HCC and HNN, the levels of the HPV-16 E7-specific IgA in vaginal wash of women with cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia were lower as compared to patients in HNN. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-8, were dominant in vaginal washes of all subjects studied. However, no pattern of Th1-type and Th2-type cytokine induction was observed as demonstrated by protein analysis as well as differential gene expression profiling in cervical tumor. Conclusions These results suggest a selective down-regulation of local HPV-specific IgA responses in women with cervical cancer.

Viral polymorphism in human papillomavirus types 33 and 35 and persistent and transient infection in the genital tract of women.

Genetic polymorphism in human papillomavirus (HPV)-33 and -35 was investigated in 1055 sexually active women (732 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] seropositive and 323 HIV seronegative). Consecutive genital specimens obtained at 6-month intervals were screened for HPV-33 and -35 by use of MY09-MY11. HPV-33 and -35 isolates from 95 women were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the long control region (LCR), E6, and E7. For HPV-33, 101 (20%) of 506 nucleotides in the LCR were variable, compared with 10 (2.1%) of 483 nucleotides in E6 (P<.001) and 6 (1.9%) of 324 nucleotides in E7 (P<.001). For HPV-35, the proportion of variable nucleotide sites was similar between the LCR and both E6 (P=.54) and E7 (P=.33). The presence of a 78-base pair deletion in HPV-33 (relative risk [RR], 1.8 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.7]) and the presence of nonsynonymous E7 variations in HPV-35 (RR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.4-4.6]) were associated with persistence. When the data for HPV-33 and -35 were combined, infection by HPV isolates with nonsynonymous E7 variations (RR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.6-3.4]; P=.001) and ethnicity (P=.04) were associated with persistence, whereas age (P = .14) and HIV infection/CD4 cell count status (P=.12) were not significantly associated with persistence, by logistic regression analysis. HPV-33 and -35 polymorphism was different between types and was associated with persistence of HPV infection.

Mechanisms of action of emergency contraception

The use of levonorgestrel (LNG) alone or combined with ethinylestradiol (Yuzpe regimen), for hormonal emergency contraception (HEC) has been approved in several countries whereas in others it is still under debate or has been rejected under the claim that these formulations abort the developmental potential of the embryo. The issue is whether they act by preventing fertilization or by impeding the successful development of the zygote through and beyond implantation. Until now, published work has left this issue largely unresolved, and this paucity of knowledge sustains heated controversies in many settings. A single study indicates that LNG impairs sperm migration in the genital tract of women in ways that could interfere with fertilization. Several studies in women examined the effects of HEC on the outcome of the leading follicle, but lack of precision in the timing of treatment relative to follicular growth, maturation, or rupture confers great variability and inconsistency of results within and between studies. Nonetheless, results indicate that ovulatory dysfunction may account for the prevention of pregnancy in a large proportion of cases. Studies searching for possible alterations of the endometrium at the time implantation would normally take place, found minimal changes of doubtful significance. Recent studies in animals cast serious doubts that LNG prevents pregnancy by interfering with post-fertilization events. Failure to prevent expected pregnancies is close to 25% in women, and this is likely to be accounted for entirely by treatment given too late to prevent fertilization. The exact mode of action of HEC remains undetermined.

Colonisation of extragenital sites by Candida in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candiosis

To study colonisation of extragenital sites by Candida in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and to determine the association of such colonisation with clothing and sexual practice. A prospective case-control (current genital colonisation by candida organisms vs non-colonisation) study. Outpatient clinic, University hospital, Kiev, Ukraine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and an assumed new attack of the condition. Eighty-six women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and an assumed current attack of this condition underwent culture for Candida from the genital tract, the perianal skin, the rectum, the mouth and from voided urine samples, using Sabouraud and chromogenic agar. The women were interviewed about some factors that have been considered to trigger colonisation with Candida spp. Colonisation of extragenital sites of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis by different species of Candida. Correlation with oral and anal sex, and with clothing. Candida spp. was isolated from the mouth, the rectum, the perianal skin and from voided urine in 11(13%), 24(28%), 35(41%) and 16(19%) of women, respectively. Candida was recovered from one or more of these sites in 44(51%) of the women. The rate of culture of Candida from the extragenital sites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in women who had a positive culture from the introitus or the vagina. The recovery rates of Candida in the 46 vaginal culture-positive women were 8 (17%), 24 (52%), 34 (74%) and 16 (35%) from the extragenital sites in the order mentioned. Species of Candida other than Candida albicans occurred more often at the extragenital than the genital sites. Neither oral nor anal sex was associated with colonisation of the mouth and the rectum with Candida spp. Neither tight-fitting trousers nor underwear produced from synthetic material was associated with colonisation of the perianal skin with Candida spp. Extragenital sites are often colonised by Candida spp. in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis, but significantly more often if the genital tract is also colonised. Extragenital sites are significantly more commonly colonised with species other than C. albicans. Extragenital sites may be reservoirs for recolonisation of the genital tract in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis. This has implications for treatment.

Colonisation of extragenital sites by Candida in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candiosis

Objectives To study colonisation of extragenital sites by Candida in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and to determine the association of such colonisation with clothing and sexual practice. Design A prospective case–control (current genital colonisation by candida organisms vs non-colonisation) study. Setting Outpatient clinic, University hospital, Kiev, Ukraine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Sample Women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and an assumed new attack of the condition. Methods Eighty-six women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis and an assumed current attack of this condition underwent culture for Candida from the genital tract, the perianal skin, the rectum, the mouth and from voided urine samples, using Sabouraud and chromogenic agar. The women were interviewed about some factors that have been considered to trigger colonisation with Candida spp. Main outcome measures Colonisation of extragenital sites of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis by different species of Candida. Correlation with oral and anal sex, and with clothing. Results Candida spp. was isolated from the mouth, the rectum, the perianal skin and from voided urine in 11(13%), 24(28%), 35(41%) and 16(19%) of women, respectively. Candida was recovered from one or more of these sites in 44(51%) of the women. The rate of culture of Candida from the extragenital sites was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in women who had a positive culture from the introitus or the vagina. The recovery rates of Candida in the 46 vaginal culture-positive women were 8 (17%), 24 (52%), 34 (74%) and 16 (35%) from the extragenital sites in the order mentioned. Species of Candida other than Candida albicans occurred more often at the extragenital than the genital sites. Neither oral nor anal sex was associated with colonisation of the mouth and the rectum with Candida spp. Neither tight-fitting trousers nor underwear produced from synthetic material was associated with colonisation of the perianal skin with Candida spp. Conclusions Extragenital sites are often colonised by Candida spp. in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis, but significantly more often if the genital tract is also colonised. Extragenital sites are significantly more commonly colonised with species other than C. albicans. Extragenital sites may be reservoirs for recolonisation of the genital tract in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis. This has implications for treatment.

Incidence of endocrine disease among residents of New York areas of concern.

There are six Areas of Concern, as identified by the International Joint Commission, located in New York State. Three are contiguous in western New York and have similar contaminants (Buffalo River, Niagara River, and 18 Mile Creek). We used the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, which records diagnoses according to the (italic)International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision(/italic) codes for all patients admitted to state-regulated hospital facilities, to compare incidence of selected diseases reported in hospitalized patients who reside in ZIP codes that are within 15 miles of any of these sites to those of residents of three different control populations: all residents of the rest of New York State (including New York City), all residents of ZIP codes outside New York City that do not contain any site identified as a federal or state Superfund site, and all residents of ZIP codes outside New York City that contain a federal or state Superfund site that does not have one or more persistent organic pollutants listed as a major contaminant. We found a significant elevation of disorders of the thyroid gland in women, but not in men, of all ages greater than 25 years on all three comparisons, as well as an increased incidence of morbidity from diseases of the female genital tract in women between age 25 to greater than 75 years for all comparison groups. There was also a significant elevation in incidence of endometriosis in women 25-44 years of age. All these elevations were significant at the 99% confidence level. Incidence of diseases of ovaries and testes and female infertility were not different from those in the rest of New York State. Although many factors influence incidence of thyroid and genital diseases, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to environmental contaminants through residence near polluted sites may be a factor.

Determinants of HIV-1 shedding in the genital tract of women

Plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration has been the best predictor for risk of heterosexual and perinatal transmission. However, direct contact with HIV-1 present locally in the genital tract might be necessary for transmission. We aimed to assess the relation between HIV-1 shedding (RNA or culturable virus) in female genital secretions and other factors that might affect HIV-1 shedding. This was a cross-sectional study within the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a prospective longitudinal cohort study of HIV-infected women. We enrolled 311 HIV positive women from Jan 30, 1997 to July 1, 1998. We did clinical assessments, cultured HIV-1, and measured RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and genital secretions. We compared the results with univariate and multivariate analyses. Presence of HIV-1 RNA or culturable virus in genital secretions was defined as HIV-1 shedding. HIV-1 RNA was present in genital secretions of 57% (152/268) of women whereas infectious virus was detected only in 6% (17/271). Genital tract HIV-1 shedding was found in 80% (130/163) of women with detectable plasma RNA and 78% (116/148) of women with positive PBMC cultures. 33% (27/83) of women with less than 500 copies/mL plasma RNA and 39% (35/90) of those with negative PBMC cultures also had genital tract shedding. Plasma RNA concentration, both qualitatively and quantitatively, was the most important factor in predicting genital HIV-1 shedding, even among women receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. However, HIV-1 shedding did occur in women with less than 500 copies/mL plasma HIV-1 RNA. This finding suggests that a separate reservoir of HIV-1 replication may exist in some women.

Induction of specific immune responses in the genital tract of women after oral or rectal immunization and rectal boosting with Salmonella typhi Ty 21a vaccine

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of intestinal tract immunization in the induction of specific antibodies in human female genital tract secretions. Live attenuated typhoid vaccine Ty 21a was administered to three groups of healthy female volunteers, who were not using hormonal contraceptives. Group 1 included 15 women vaccinated orally. Group 2 included seven of the same women, who were vaccinated rectally 6 months later. Group 3 included 11 volunteers, who were vaccinated rectally. Salmonella-specific antibodies of IgG and IgA were measured in vaginal lavage and cervical mucus after oral or rectal primary vaccination. Salmonella-specific antibodies measured 1 month after rectal booster vaccination demonstrated significant increases in vaginal fluids and cervical mucus and were dominated by IgA. These results indicate that specific antibodies in the human female genital tract induced by primary vaccination can be enhanced by subsequent rectal administration of vaccines.

A case of testicular tunica albuginea cyst with psammoma body

Cystic testicular masses have been considered rare but due to advances in ultrasonographic technologies their incidence has risen. Many testicular cystic masses are benign but there is a chance of malignancy. Psammoma bodies are found in various malignancies that occur in the genital tract of women but rarely in men. We report a case of testicular tunica albuginea cyst with psammoma bodies.

High Prevalence of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in the Genital Tract of Women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Objective. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Mexico.Methods. Cases included women who were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and accepted to participate. There were two control groups in this study: group A, heterosexual partners of HIV+ men; group B, commercial sex workers. Gynecologic examination was performed in all participants. Also, a cervical smear with colposcopy and a sample for detection of HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were obtained in all subjects, as were CD4+ counts. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence interval were calculated.Results. Eighty-five HIV+ women agreed to participate in this study; the route of HIV infection was heterosexual in 78.8%; transfusion in 8.2%; paid donors in 3.5%; and 9.4% unknown. A total of 9 controls were included: 4 from group A and 5 from group B. HPV DNA was detected by PCR in 57 (69%) cases and in 26 (29%) controls from both groups (P < 0.0001). The RR of HPV infection was 5.5 (2.7–11.5). Also, a significant difference in the prevalence of high-risk HPV types was observed between cases and controls, RR = 12.8 (4.07–42.9). These associations were independent of CD4+ counts and antiretroviral therapy. No association was observed between HIV infection and the risk for high-grade SIL.Conclusions. We observed a high prevalence of oncogenic HPV types in HIV-positive women. These women should be screened regularly for early diagnosis of premalignant lesions and prevention of cervical cancer.

Viral excretion in cervicovaginal secretions of HIV-1-infected women receiving antiretroviral therapy.

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the viral shedding present in cervicovaginal secretions of HIV-1-seropositive women receiving antiretroviral therapy. A total of 128 paired cervicovaginal and blood samples was obtained from 37 women during a median follow-up period of 21 months. A sensitive, competitive, polymerase chain reaction and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used for the simultaneous quantitation of HIV-1 proviral DNA and RNA in cervicovaginal cells and cell-free RNA in cervicovaginal secretions, as well as HIV-1 RNA in peripheral blood. The cumulative probability of detecting proviral DNA in genital secretions was significantly higher over time in women with detectable viremia than in women in whom HIV-1 RNA was persistently undetectable in plasma (< 50 copies/ml) (P = 0.028 by log-rank test). The presence and amount of proviral DNA, cell-associated RNA and cell-free RNA in the cervicovaginal secretions were positively correlated with the presence of detectable viremia or the number of HIV-1 RNA copies in plasma (Spearman rank correlation, 0.290, 0.279, and 0.305, respectively; all P < 0.01), but no correlation was found with the CD4+ cell count. In addition, vaginal infections were positively correlated with the detection of proviral DNA in cervicovaginal secretions (odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-5.70). However, the positive correlation between the presence and amount of HIV in cervicovaginal secretions and the viral load in plasma provides no assurance that HIV shedding does not occur in the genital tract of women with undetectable HIV-RNA in plasma.

Determinants of different Candida species infections of the genital tract in women

Objective: We have analyzed the differences in the epidemiological characteristics of women with different Candida low female genital tract infection. Study design: Eligible for the study were 4228 women aged 18–70 years with symptomatic low gynecological tract infection and clinical findings suggestive for Candida infection consecutively attending during the study period first level outpatients gynecological services in Italy. CHROMagar Candida method was used to identify albicans and non- albicans species and among non- albicans ones Candida glabrata, tropicalis and krusei. Results: Out of the 4228 women who entered the study, Candida infection was confirmed by CHROMagar test in 3351 cases (79.3%): Candida albicans was identified in 1431 cases (43%) and non- albicans in 1920. Among the 1920 women with non- albicans infection, Candida glabrata was identified in 1207 women, Candida krusei in 290, Candida tropicalis in 404 (in 19 cases other species or non-specified species were involved). Candida albicans infection was more frequently reported than non- albicans ones in diabetic women (Odds Ratio, OR=1.7, 95%, Confidence Interval, CI 1.1–2.7). Current oral contraceptive users tended more frequently to be infected with Candida albicans than non- albicans, however the estimated OR was only slightly above unity and of borderline statistical significance (OR 1.3, 9.5%, CI 1.1–1.5). Women reporting previous treatment with topic antimicotic reported more frequently non- albicans infection, than Candida albicans ones. However the association was limited and of borderline statistical significance (OR albicans vs. non albicans 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0). Albicans infection was more frequently identified in women whose partner reported symptomatology for Candida infection (OR 1.7, 95% C.I. 1.4–2.0). Conclusions: This study shows that in this Italian population with symptomatic Candida infection of low female genital tract, there are some differences in the epidemiological characteristics of women with albicans and non- albicans infection.

Levels of vaginal secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor are decreased in women with lower reproductive tract infections

Objective: Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor contributes resistance to primary human immunodeficiency virus infection in the oral cavity. However, the levels of this inhibitor in the genital tract of women with sexually transmitted diseases or vaginitis are not well described. The objective was to determine vaginal inhibitor levels in women with symptomatic and asymptomatic genital infections. Study Design: We tested 207 nonpregnant women for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida species, and bacterial vaginosis by standard methods. A second group of symptom-free pregnant women (N = 231) was also studied. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and results were compared by nonparametric methods. Results: Vaginal levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in both groups were significantly lower in women with any sexually transmitted disease than in those without infection (P <.0001). Patients with bacterial vaginosis and those with bacterial vaginosis with yeast vaginitis also had decreased levels (P <.025). Conclusions: Levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in vaginal fluid are decreased in women with lower genital tract infection. This may represent a common mechanism of increasing susceptibility to infection with human immunodeficiency virus. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1243-8.)