Infection In Girls Research Articles

Prevalence and Type of HPV Genital Infection in Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This investigation explored the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by subtypes in girls aged up to 12. Four indexed databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and LILACS, were evaluated. Twenty-nine observational studies published between 1992 and 2018 were included. The prevalence of genital condyloma acuminatum or HPV-positive serology due to prior infection among girls with suspected/confirmed sexual abuse was 25%, and without a history or information about abuse, 8%. The analysis indicated that low-risk HPV types were the most prevalent among this group, corresponding to 86.6% of the identified types. Human papillomavirus 6 and 11 were the most prevalent types, followed by HPV 16 and 2. Moreover, the analysis identified limited epidemiological data on genital warts in children up to 12 years. Several studies focused on convenience sampling, sexually abused girls, or failed to separate data by gender. Findings of our systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis indicate that the occurrence of HPV infection in girls aged 12 or younger is relatively rare, underscoring the significance of understanding the prevalence of HPV in the pediatric population. However, it is essential to be cautious when applying these results to the pediatric population, given cases of girls who are suspected of or have suffered sexual abuse. There is a pressing need for further research to fill the information gap on HPV infection in this vulnerable group.

Enterobius vermicularis Infection in a Child Population with Evidence of Vulvovaginitis and Bacterial Coinfection in Girls in Oaxaca, México

Infection by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis (Enterobiasis) is the most common helminth parasitosis in humans. It is closely related to poverty, and a higher prevalence is observed in children, in those who can cause important complications. Due to this, we evaluated the prevalence of Enterobiasis in children from a marginalized community in southeastern Mexico. Additionally, we analyzed possible cases of ectopic infection in girls and the presence of coinfections with other pathogens. Of 904 children, we found a prevalence of 21%, being higher in girls than in boys. Additionally, we determined the presence of E. vermicularis in the vagina of 11 girls who had mild lesions and coinfections with bacteria. Our findings highlight the importance of developing prevention and surveillance programs in areas of extreme poverty.

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Adolescents of Russian Federation: Results of Cross-Sectional Population Analysis of Seroprevalence

Background. Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) is the reason of high mortality in perinatal period, disability in children from risk groups with further development of congenital malformations and chronic diseases. Clear understanding of epidemiology and determination of focus population groups is crucial for development of measures and algorithms of congenital CMVI prevention.Objective. The aim of the study is to study CMVI seroprevalence among immunocompetent adolescents in Russian Federation with reference to the gender, regional, social and economic, and age factors.Methods. We have used for our study data from the survey of senior schoolchildren from 7 municipalities representing various regions of Russian Federation: group 1 (10–12 years old) and group 2 (14–16 years old). The study of CMVI seroprevalence and immune response was performed via the analysis of the level of IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in blood serum. The social and economic well-being of the region was determined by "RIA Rating" experts.Results. Serological prevalence of CMVI in the study group of adolescents (n = 1403) was 70.6% (n = 990). There were no statistically significant gender differences in the distribution of seropositive children in regions (p = 0.525). Infection in boys (72.6%; n = 455; median age — 12.9 (11.0; 14.9)) did not prevail over the infection in girls (68.8%; n = 535; median age — 13.1 (11.0; 14,9)); p = 0,117. The overall prevalence of CMVI increased statistically significant with age — from 68% (n = 486) in group 1 to 73% (n = 504) in group 2 (p = 0.036). The prevalence of CMVI varied statistically significant by region (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between the regional seropositive level and the social and economic situation in the region (r = 0.034, p = 0.192). Immune response intensity did not differ by age, gender, and region with the antibody median of 88.9 CU/ml.Conclusion. More than half of adolescents (by the age of 10) in Russian Federation are infected, and infection increases with approaching to childbearing age, however, age is not the only aspect associated with serological status. Factors affecting immune response intensity require further study. Understanding of the CMV prevalence among children is crucial for determining future prevention approaches in target groups.

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Adolescents of Russian Federation: Results of Cross-Sectional Population Analysis of Seroprevalence

Background. Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) is the reason of high mortality in perinatal period, disability in children from risk groups with further development of congenital malformations and chronic diseases. Clear understanding of epidemiology and determination of focus population groups is crucial for development of measures and algorithms of congenital CMVI prevention.Objective. The aim of the study is to study CMVI seroprevalence among immunocompetent adolescents in Russian Federation with reference to the gender, regional, social and economic, and age factors.Methods. We have used for our study data from the survey of senior schoolchildren from 7 municipalities representing various regions of Russian Federation: group 1 (10–12 years old) and group 2 (14–16 years old). The study of CMVI seroprevalence and immune response was performed via the analysis of the level of IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in blood serum. The social and economic well-being of the region was determined by "RIA Rating" experts.Results. Serological prevalence of CMVI in the study group of adolescents (n = 1403) was 70.6% (n = 990). There were no statistically significant gender differences in the distribution of seropositive children in regions (p = 0.525). Infection in boys (72.6%; n = 455; median age — 12.9 (11.0; 14.9)) did not prevail over the infection in girls (68.8%; n = 535; median age — 13.1 (11.0; 14,9)); p = 0,117. The overall prevalence of CMVI increased statistically significant with age — from 68% (n = 486) in group 1 to 73% (n = 504) in group 2 (p = 0.036). The prevalence of CMVI varied statistically significant by region (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between the regional seropositive level and the social and economic situation in the region (r = 0.034, p = 0.192). Immune response intensity did not differ by age, gender, and region with the antibody median of 88.9 CU/ml.Conclusion. More than half of adolescents (by the age of 10) in Russian Federation are infected, and infection increases with approaching to childbearing age, however, age is not the only aspect associated with serological status. Factors affecting immune response intensity require further study. Understanding of the CMV prevalence among children is crucial for determining future prevention approaches in target groups.

The effect of educational intervention program on promoting preventive behaviors of urinary tract infection in girls: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUrinary tract infection is one of the most common infectious diseases in children, which can lead to serious complications for a child. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) -based education on the promotion of preventive behaviors of urinary tract infection in mothers with a daughter under age two.MethodsThe present study is an educational randomized controlled trial that its sample consisted of 100 mothers who had a daughter under age two. They were selected through convenience sampling and then were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups (each group included 50 participants). The data collection tool was a reliable and valid questionnaire based on TPB constructs. First, in both groups, the pre-test was administrated and then the educational intervention in the intervention group was conducted in the form of four educational sessions in 1 month (based on the pre-test need assessment) and then 3 months after the intervention (according to the ideas of Panel of Experts), post-test in both groups was administrated and then the data were analyzed through SPSS version 23 software with inferential statistics (independent t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square). The significance level was considered 0.05.ResultsThree months after the intervention, the mean score of the constructs of TPB in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group. The performance of prevention of urinary tract infection in the intervention group before the education increased from 2.85 ± 0.51 to 3.74 ± 0.29 (out of 4) (p = 0.001).ConclusionsTPB-based education with active and interventional follow-up was effective in promoting the preventive behaviors of urinary tract infection. Therefore, due to the side effects of UTI, especially in vulnerable periods such as childhood, it is recommended that trainings based on this model be carried out in other health care centers in order to maintain children health.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered at IRCT, IRCT2017031533090N1. Registered on 9 July 2017, https://en.irct.ir/trial/25621

Prevalence of head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis L. and their relation to anxiety among primary school children in Kalar district, Kurdistan region-Iraq

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer infestation is one of the most important health problems throughout the world. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of head lice among local primary school children in Kalar district-Kurdistan, Iraq and find out the relationship between head lice infestation and anxiety. During the period October 2018 to May 2019, an overall 8847 primary school children aged (6-11 years) were randomly selected from (22) primary schools and examined for the presence of head liceusing lice comb and magnifying lenses. Results of the current study revealed the existence of 1277 cases (14.43%) of infestation with P. humanus capitis. The rate of infection in girls was significantly higher than boys P

Self-Collection of Vaginal Swabs Among Adolescent Girls in a School-Setting in East Africa.

Few studies have evaluated the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs among young women in sub-Saharan Africa, including in school settings. We evaluated the acceptability of 2 conditions for the self-collection of swabs in secondary schools in Entebbe, Uganda. Assenting girls with parental consent from 3 secondary schools were provided instructions for sampling, and randomly allocated to self-collection of vaginal swabs with or without nurse assistance to help with correct placement of the swab. Swabs were tested for bacterial vaginosis by Gram stain. Participants were followed up after 1 to 2 days and 1 to 2 weeks and invited for a qualitative interview. Overall 96 girls were enrolled (median age, 16 years; interquartile range, 15-17 years). At the first follow-up visit, participants in both arms reported that instructions for sample collection were easy to understand, and they felt comfortable with self-collection. Girls in the nurse assistance arm reported feeling less relaxed (27% vs. 50%, P = 0.02) than those in the arm without nurse assistance, but more confident that they collected the sample correctly (96% vs. 83%, P = 0.04). About half (47%) of participants agreed that self-sampling was painful, but almost all (94%) would participate in a similar study again. Qualitative data showed that participants preferred self-collection without nurse assistance to preserve privacy. Bacterial vaginosis prevalence was 14% (95% confidence interval, 8-22). In this setting, self-collection of vaginal swabs in secondary schools was acceptable and feasible, and girls preferred self-collection without nurse assistance. Self-collection of swabs is an important tool for the detection, treatment and control of reproductive tract infections in girls and young women.

Prevalence of head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis L. and their relation to anxiety among primary school children in Kalar district, Kurdistan region-Iraq

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer infestation is one of the most important health problems throughout the world. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of head lice among local primary school children in Kalar district-Kurdistan, Iraq and find out the relationship between head lice infestation and anxiety. During the period October 2018 to May 2019, an overall 8847 primary school children aged (6-11 years) were randomly selected from (22) primary schools and examined for the presence of head liceusing lice comb and magnifying lenses. Results of the current study revealed the existence of 1277 cases (14.43%) of infestation with P. humanus capitis. The rate of infection in girls was significantly higher than boys P

Wybrane problemy dermatologiczno-ginekologiczne z uwzględnieniem niektórych aspektów dietetycznych u dziewcząt

Dermatological-gynaecological problems in girls are an important issue also in the practice of a family doctor. In the case of girls before menarche, vulvovaginal inflammation accounts for 75% of all gynaecology reports. However, there is a need to differentiate inflammatory diseases of the vulva from dermatoses. Symptoms of vulval diseases, which are reported by patients, often require consultation and dermatological treatment. Since dermatoses are not limited to genitals, the vulva is only one of possible locations of the disease process; therefore, the whole skin of the patient should be inspected. Vaginal and vaginal inflammation is a gynaecological problem in patients of all ages ? from neonatal period to old age. In developmental age gynaecology, it is often found in 3-10-year-old patients. The etiopathogenesis of vulvovaginitis in girls depends on child's age, systemic diseases, and often dermatological problems. For example, such factors as diabetes, long-term antibiotic therapy, immunosuppression, congenital immunodeficiency, allergic diseases and allergic rhinitis predispose to infections in girls. Lactobacillus plays an important role in bacterial protection against infection and inflammation. A balanced diet is also important.

Presence of infection and analysis of HPV subtypes in girls younger than 9 years old attended at a referral service in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in adults and adolescents and is associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. However, it has been detected in girls younger than 10 years old. Currently, there are no prevention methods for this age group, since it is not considered a risk group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of infection and HPV subtype in girls under 9 years old attended at a referral service in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Forty-three girls younger than 9 years old had gynecological brush samples collected from vulval and perineal/anal regions. Viral detection and subtyping were done using polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing. Statistics was performed using Action Stat 3.1. The mean age of girls was 6.1 years. Sexual activity and abuse were not reported by 95.3%. Family stories showed viral infection in 9.3% of mothers, 4.7% of fathers and 9.3% of caretakers. None of these were related with the children infection. In the only case of mother's gestational HPV infection, the daughter tested negative. Genital warts and infection were observed in 7% and 13.9% of the patients, respectively. Viral subtypes detected were 6, 11, 38, and 42. These results demonstrate the presence of HPV infection in girls under 9 years of age. Prevalence studies are needed in order to evaluate a possible alteration in age of vaccination policy.

Clean, Intermittent Self-Catheterization in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Disease.

No AccessJournal of UrologyCatheterization1 Feb 2017Clean, Intermittent Self-Catheterization in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Disease Jack Lapides, Ananias C. Diokno, Sherman J. Silber, and Bette S. Lowe Jack LapidesJack Lapides More articles by this author , Ananias C. DioknoAnanias C. Diokno More articles by this author , Sherman J. SilberSherman J. Silber More articles by this author , and Bette S. LoweBette S. Lowe More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.10.097AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail References 1 Lapides, J.: Role of hydrostatic pressure and distention in urinary tract infection. In: Progress in Pyelonephritis. Edited by E. H. Kass. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Co., p. 578, 1965. Google Scholar 2 Mehrotra, R. M. L.: An experimental study of the vesical circulation during distension and in cystitis. J Path Bact., 66: 79, 1953. Google Scholar 3 Lapides, J., Costello, R. T., Jr., Zierdt, D. K. and Stone, T. E.: Primary cause and treatment of recurrent urinary infection in women: preliminary report. J Urol., 100: 552, 1968. Google Scholar 4 Lapides, J. and Costello, R. T., Jr.: Uninhibited neurogenic bladder: a common cause for recurrent urinary infection in normal women. J Urol., 101: 539, 1969. Google Scholar 5 Lapides, J. and Diokno, A. C.: Persistence of the infant bladder as a cause for urinary infection in girls. J Urol., 103: 243, 1970. Google Scholar 6 Schwarz, H.: Renal invasion by E. coli via a mucosal lesion of the sigmoid colon: a demonstration utilizing methods of autoradiography and group-specific serologic typing. Invest Urol., 6: 98, 1968. Google Scholar 7 Campbell, M. F.: Urologic complications of anorectal and colon surgery. Amer J Proctol., 12: 43, 1961. Google Scholar 8 Lapides, J.: Urinary diversion. Surgery, 69: 142, 1971. Google Scholar 9 Guttmann, L. and Frankel, H.: The value of intermittent catheterization in the early management of traumatic paraplegic and tetraplegia. Paraplegia, 4: 63, 1966. Google Scholar © 2002 by American Urological Association, Inc.®FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 2SFebruary 2017Page: S122-S124 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2002 by American Urological Association, Inc.®MetricsAuthor Information Jack Lapides More articles by this author Ananias C. Diokno More articles by this author Sherman J. Silber More articles by this author Bette S. Lowe More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Detection of urinary lactoferrin as an indicator of urinary tract infection in girls

Background and objective: Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein that is related in structure to transferrin. It is considered to be a part of the in­nate immune system. This study aimed to assess the role of urinary lactoferrin (LF) as an indicator for diagnosis of urinary tract infection among girls. Methods: This study was conducted on girls suffering from UTI. Urine samples were tested for Lactoferrin before and after two months of the treatment using ELISA technique. Results: Urine specimens were collected from 25 girls with mean age ± SD of 6 ± 3 years without UTI as a control group (C) and 25 girls with mean age ± SD of 5.3 ± 3.18 years diagnosed as suffering from UTI (T1) followed by a set of 25 specimens after two months (T2). The mean concentration of urinary LF ± SD was 670 ± 319 ng/ml in the specimens of control group whereas it was 1387 ± 509 in the specimens of girls with UTI during the infection (T1) and 885 ± 268 after two months (T2). The mean concentrations of urinary LF during the infection (T1) were significantly (P <0.001) increased compared with controls (C) and significantly (P = 0.003) decreased after two months (T2), that may refer to a role of urinary LF in UTI. There was no significant (P = 0.089) difference between the mean concentration of urinary LF after two months (T2) compared with controls (C) that may indicate to the normalization of LF concentration after the treatment synchronously with disappearing of UTI symptoms and significantly reduction of positive urinalysis results. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the elevation of urinary Lactoferrin (LF) in girls suffering from UTI and probably being a good indicator for diagnosis of UTI.

Evaluation of Hepatitis B Infection Prevalence in Institutionalized Intellectually Disabled Children

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes chronic infection in human population, with high mortality. One of the high risk communities is mentally retarded children, who are institutionalized. Special conditions in these centers predispose children for HBV infection and transmission to healthy people. In this study our objective was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among institutionalized mentally retarded children and study its associated risk factors.Materials and Methods: In this study, 250 mentally retarded children (younger than 14 years old) were included. They were living in 5 nursing institutions, located in different parts of Tehran. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was measured in the sera of these patients by ELISA method.Results: Among 250 children, 20 children (8%) were HBsAg positive. HBV infection in girls was more than boys (11% to 5.6%). Among the types of mental retardation, children with cerebral palsy had the highest positive result for HBsAg. The most HBV infection (28.5%) was seen in children with longest duration of being institutionalized (10 to 11 years). Vaccinated children were more HBsAg positive (8.7%) than non-vaccinated children (5.3%). However, no significant relationship was observed between any of these factors and HBsAg positivity.Conclusion: Despite improvement of people’s health condition and implementation of HBV vaccination, the prevalence of HBV infection is increased in institutionalized mentally retarded children, which highlights the need for active measures to reduce this infection among this high risk population

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage Among School Girls in a Demonstration Project - Botswana, 2013.

What is already known on this topic? Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common and aggressive in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). With an HIV prevalence of 28% among females aged 15–49, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in Botswana. Before 2013, HPV vaccine had not been used in the public sector in Botswana.What is added by this report? Efforts to expand services for cervical cancer through the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative focused on HPV-related disease in Botswana. A demonstration project for HPV vaccination was developed by the Ministry of Health for school girls aged ≥9 years in primary schools in one community. A total of 1,967 (79%) of 2,488 eligible girls received 3 doses of vaccine in the immunization effort that was centered in schools.What are the implications for public health practice? Preventing HPV infection in girls is an important component of a national comprehensive cervical cancer control program. HPV vaccination programming is challenging, and demonstration projects can prepare countries for national introduction. The success of the initial HPV vaccination effort in Botswana led to an expanded project in 2014, with implementation of nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine in 2015. It might be beneficial for future HPV vaccination campaigns to include strategies to reach out-of-school girls.

Risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in adolescents: results from a representative population-based survey in Germany, 2003–2006

Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can lead to severe sequelae; however, they are not notifiable in Germany. We tested urine samples from participants of KiGGS (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents) for CT infections and linked the results to demographic and behavioural data from 1,925 participants (girls aged 15-17 years and boys aged 16-17 years) to determine a representative prevalence of CT infection in adolescents in Germany and to assess associated risk factors. Prevalence of CT infection was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.4-3.5) in girls and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.7) in boys. CT infection in girls was associated with higher use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, lower social status, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, repeated lower abdominal pain and higher rates of doctors' consultations within the preceding three months and consultation of gynaecologists within the last 12 months. In multiple logistic regression, we identified two predictors for CT infection: marijuana consumption often or several times within the last 12 months (F(1,164)=7.56; p<0.05) and general health status less than 'very good' (F(1,164)=3.83; p=0.052). Given our findings, we recommend enhancing sex education before sexual debut and promoting safe sex practices regardless of the contraceptive method used. Well-informed consumption of alcohol should be promoted, the risky behaviour of people intoxicated through consumption of marijuana highlighted and doctors' awareness of CT screening enhanced.

P3.056 Prevalent Human Papillomavirus in Tanzanian Adolescent Girls Who Report Not Having Passed Sexual Debut

ObjectivesThe HPV vaccine is recommended for girls prior to sexual debut since it is most effective if administered prior to HPV acquisition. Little research has been conducted in high HPV-prevalence...

Urinating in the Standing Position: A Feasible Alternative for Elderly Women With Knee Osteoarthritis

Urinating while standing is a possible alternative for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis when a sitting toilet is unavailable. We evaluated uroflowmetric characteristics and post-void residual urine volume in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis who urinated while standing. We recruited 21 women with a mean±SD age of 65.0±4.6 years who had a knee osteoarthritis Lequesne index score of at least 6 points and were unable to maintain or found it difficult to stand up from a squat or crouch. Participants used a homemade auxiliary appliance to collect urine and drain it forward while stand voiding. Uroflowmetric data, including voided volume, and maximal and average flow rates, were recorded. Post-void residual urine volume was detected using an ultrasound bladder scanner. Participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate their attitude toward stand voiding and using the auxiliary device. Maximal and average flow rates, and voided and post-void residual urine volumes were not statistically different while sitting and standing. No learning curve was noted for stand voiding. Uroflowmetry patterns while standing were smooth. Of the 21 participants 17 (81%) experienced no difficulty while stand voiding. All expressed willingness to urinate while standing position if they did not have access to a satisfactorily clean toilet seat. Urinating while standing is a feasible option for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis who have difficulty crouching or squatting to void in public restrooms.

The swedish reflux trial in children. iii. pattern of urinary tract infections

Purpose To evaluate the difference in rate of febrile urinary tract infection in small children with dilating vesicoureteral reflux, randomly allocated to 3 management alternatives: antibiotic prophylaxis, endoscopic treament, or surveillance only (control group). Material and Methods From 23 centers, a total of 203 children were included, 128 girls and 75 boys aged 1 to less than 2 years. Vesicoureteral reflux grade III (n=126) or IV (n=77) was detected after a febrile urinary tract infection in 194 and after antenatal screening in 9. Voiding cystourethrography and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy were performed before randomization and after 2 years. The rate of symptomatic febrile urinary tract infections was analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Results There were 67 febrile recurrences in 42 girls and 8 recurrences in 7 boys (p=0.0001). There was a difference in recurrence rate between the treatment groups in girls, were febrile infection was seen in 8 of 43 (19%) girls in the prophylaxis, 10 of 43 (23%) in the endoscopic, and 24 of 42 (57%) in the surveillance group (p=0.0002). In girls there was no difference in recurrence rate between those with grade III and IV reflux at entry, but recurrence was associated with reflux grade at follow-up (p=0.0095). Conclusions In this randomized controlled trial there was a high rate of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections in girls over the age of 1 year with dilating vesicoureteral reflux, but not in boys. Both antibiotic prophylaxis and endoscopic treatment reduced the rate of infections.

Do uroflowmetric findings change by treatment of urinary tract infection in girls with dysfunctional voiding?

The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of repeated uroflowmetry study in girls who present with dysfunctional voiding with normal radiologic evaluation. Materials and methods: Twenty five children (25 girls with a mean age of 8.9 years) with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and dysfunctional voiding who have normal radiologic evaluation were prospectively evaluated by uroflowmetry tests. Uroflowmetry study was repeated after the UTI treatment in asymptomatic period. Results: Mean urine volume was 254.31 ± 199.49 cc and the mean micturition time was 25.22 ± 15.43 s at the first uroflowmetry. Prolonged micturition time was noted in 8 (32%) patients. At the second uroflowmetry, mean urine volume was 370.77 ± 217.89 cc, and the mean micturition time was 29.63 ± 26.42 s. Prolonged micturition time was noted in 7 (28%) patients. Flow pattern curve was bell-shaped in 9 patients and abnormal in 16 patients (64%). In the second investigation a normal flow pattern curve was noted in 10 patients and an abnormal pattern in 15 patients. Conclusion: There was no difference between pre- and post-treatment uroflowmetry pattern in patients with dysfunctional voiding. Uroflowmetry investigation is not a very proper way for follow-up.

Correlates of Mucosal Immunity and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Girls

In this study we examined whether salivary hormones, physical activity and adiposity were correlated with secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and frequency of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in 43 early-pubertal and 59 late-pubertal girls. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers and relative body fat was assessed using bioelectrical impendence. Resting saliva samples were obtained between 1500 and 1800 hr and assayed for sIgA, cortisol and testosterone. Participants completed a one-month health log to record URTI frequency. Early-pubertal girls were more physically active, had less adiposity, but lower concentrations of sIgA than late-pubertal adolescents (122.7 +/- 91.6 vs 201.9 +/- 102.9 pg/ml, respectively). The frequency of URTI was similar in the two groups. Neither sIgA nor URTI were correlated with salivary hormones, physical activity or adiposity within the early-pubertal girls. In the late-pubertal group, sIgA was negatively associated (r = -0.44; p < 0.05) with cortisol, and positively associated (r = 0.41; p < 0.05) with the testosterone to cortisol ratio. These results suggest that mucosal immunity increases with pubertal maturation, while higher cortisol is associated with lower mucosal immunity in adolescents.