Vaginal Exudates Research Articles

The efficacy of double percutaneous nephrostomy combined with ureter occlusion stent in treating cervical cancer complicated with vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of double percutaneous nephrostomy combined with ureter occlusion stent in treating cervical cancer complicated with vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy. Method A prospective analysis was taken for 12 patients with cervical cancer complicated with vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy who were diagnosed by gynecological examination, imaging and cystoscopy. All patients received concurrent double percutaneous nephrostomy and ureter occlusion stent implantation.The improvement of symptoms and postoperative complications were observed. The number of white blood cells in urine, renal function, number of diapers in daily use (pieces), daily vaginal and urethral exudate, pain score,physical status (ECOG) score and quality of life score (KPS) before and 7 d after the procedure were compare by the paired Student's t test. Results Twelve patients were successfully implanted 24 ureter occlusion stents after successful nephrostomy. Postoperatively, urinary fistula immediately disappeared in all patients. One week after operation, bilateral hydronephrosis disappeared in 4 patients, renal insufficiency and renal function returned to normal in 4 patients. There were significant differences in the number of white blood cells in urine, the number of diapers in daily use, the daily vaginal and urethral exudate, pain score, KPS and ECOG score compared with before and 7 d after the procedure (all P 0.05). No serious complications occurred after the operation. Conclusion Double percutaneous nephrostomy combined with ureter occlusion stent can effectively and safely treat cervical cancer complicated with vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy. Key words: Uterine cervical neoplasms; Vesicovaginal fistula; Double percutaneous nephrostomy; Ureter occlusion stent

OZONE THERAPY: TERATOGENIC STUDY OF OZONE. POSSIBLE INDICATIONS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

OZONE THERAPY: TERATOGENIC STUDY OF OZONE. POSSIBLE INDICATIONS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli Isolated from the Fecal Samples in Zacatecas Patients

The problem of antimicrobial resistance has led Health Services take to stop population from self-medicating. The use of antibiotics to trigger a possible mutation of the most common bacteria of which the human being has contact, so it is important to evaluate the consequences. The present study was to evaluate the antibacterial sensitivity necessary to determine the antibiotic to be prescribed; were analyzed cultures of 48 patients who already referred symptoms were used between hospital inpatients and outpatients, of different sex and age ranges groups. The biological samples were vaginal exudates and urine cultures. The results reports indicate that resistance predominates over sensitivity, a fact that must draw attention to taking decisive measures in this regard.

Видовий склад циркулюючої мікрофлори та її стійкість до антибактеріальних препаратів в умовах ПАФ «Бережниця» Жидачівського району Львівської області

The main issue today is the provision of safe and high-quality livestock products, taking into account all aspects of food production, from farm to table. In order to preserve the young animals, increase the resistance of the immune system of the organism, prevent the influence of infectious pathogens on macroorganism and the environment, studies have been conducted to determine the microflora circulating in the conditions of the economy. In particular, from the point of view of food safety, E. coli is a dangerous factor affecting their quality, causing various diseases in humans and animals. In the body of a healthy bovine animal, Escherichia coli may be present in an admissible concentration of up to 107 CFUs, Escherichia coli haemolitica is normally absent in the animal body. Bacteriological studies included seeding of the test material on the nutrient medium, their identification and the study of antibiotic susceptibility. For the analysis of the sensitivity of microorganisms to medicinal (antibacterial) substances by disco-diffusion method, they used a nutrient medium of AGV, on which the «lawn» was sown analyzing cultures and used discs with antibacterial preparations. According to the results of bacteriological studies of milk samples, it has been determined that 70% of the examined samples of pathogenic microflora have not been isolated. In 30% of the tested samples, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris in milk samples was established. Bacteriological studies of vaginal exudate taken from cows after the calving have shown that they have Streptococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherišhia coli, Proteus vulgaris and fungus of the genus Aspergillus spp. Investigations of the exudate from the nasal passages and the calving of the calves have revealed that Escherichia coli is present in all the samples tested. The results of studies of calf sturgeon revealed the presence of a number of microorganisms: Escherihia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Escherihia coli haemolitica, Staphylococcus haemoliticus, molds of the genus Aspergillus in different percentages. When determining the sensitivity of isolated cultures to antibacterial drugs by the disc diffusion method, it has been established that Staphylococcus and Escherihia coli haemolitica cultures are susceptible to all antibiotics; Proteus vulgaris exhibits resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin.

Optimization of Trichomonas vaginalis Diagnosis during Pregnancy at a University Hospital, Argentina.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods for Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosis during pregnancy in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications. A total of 386 vaginal exudates from pregnant women were analyzed. T. vaginalis was investigated by 3 types of microscopic examinations direct wet mount with physiologic saline solution, prolonged May-Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) staining, and wet mount with sodium-acetate-formalin (SAF)/methylene blue method. PCR for 18S rRNA gene as well as culture in liquid medium were performed. The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic examinations were evaluated considering the culture media positivity or the PCR techniques as gold standard. The frequency of T. vaginalis infection was 6.2% by culture and/or PCR, 5.2% by PCR, 4.7% by culture, 3.1% by SAF/methylene blue method and 2.8% by direct wet smear and prolonged MGG staining. The sensitivities were 83.3%, 75.0%, 50.0%, and 45.8% for PCR, culture, SAF/methylene blue method, and direct wet smear-prolonged MGG staining, respectively. The specificity was 100% for all the assessed methods. Microscopic examinations showed low sensitivity, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients. It is necessary to improve the detection of T. vaginalis using combined methods providing higher sensitivity, such as culture and PCR, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients, in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications.

P08.05 Chlamydia trachomatisandtrichomonas vaginalisco-infection in the macaque model

Introduction We have used the pigtailed macaque model to individually study chlamydia (bacteria) and trichomonal (parasite) infections. To increase utility of the model, we explored infection potential for both chlamydia and trichomoniasis, when delivered simultaneously to macaques. This co-infection model will be useful for testing the efficacy of developing multi-purpose technologies. Methods Twelve female Macaca nemestrina were challenged by cervical inoculation with C. trachomatis E (CT: 5E6 IFU in 0.5 mL volume), immediately followed by vaginal exposure to T. vaginalis ATCC 50148 (TV: 5E5 trichomonads in 0.5 mL volume). For five weeks, infection status, chlamydia-specific serum antibody, and tissue responses were followed. Nucleic acid amplification tests were employed to detect each organism; cervical swabs were also cultured for chlamydia detection. Cervicovaginal tissues were monitored by colposcopy. Each animal completed a five day regimen of oral azithromycin plus metronidazole followed by test of clearance. Results Nine of twelve macaques tested positive for infection with both pathogens on at least three weekly visits. One animal was positive for chlamydial infection only (TV negative) for two weeks. These ten animals developed chlamydial IgG antibody titers of at least 1:16. The two remaining animals had limited, self-clearing infections; CT positive for one week, plus TV positive for one or two weeks. Neither of these macaques developed serum antibody to CT. During five weeks of secretion sampling, chlamydia positivity ranged from 1 to 5 weeks (median 5 weeks) and TV positivity ranged 0–5 weeks (median 5 weeks) as well. Colposcopy revealed blisters on the cervix of three co-infected animals. Neither infection could be correlated to changes in vaginal pH, exudate or polymorphonuclear cell presence. Conclusion We have demonstrated that co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis is achievable in the pigtailed macaque model. Infections are individually detectable and concurrent treatments are effective in clearing both organisms. Disclosure of interest statement This research was supported by NIH Contract HHSN272201000006I, Task Number HHSN27200008 and by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number P51 OD010425 Washington National Primate Research Centre. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.

Emerging trends in invasive and noninvasive isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae in a Latin American hospital: a 17-year study.

BackgroundStreptococcus agalactiae or group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been recognized as a lethal pathogen in neonates worldwide. S. agalactiae infections also severely affect pregnant women and immunosuppressed adults with substantial attributable morbidity and mortality. However, in Latin America, studies on the epidemiology and behaviour of S. agalactiae infections remain limited.MethodsTo better understand the behaviour of S. agalactiae infections in our region, we conducted a retrospective study to phenotypically describe S. agalactiae isolates collected in one of the largest hospitals in Colombia at two time periods: 1994–2001 and 2004–2012. The isolates were identified by biochemical analysis and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility.ResultsIn 1994–2001 a total of 201 S. agalactiae isolates were found in urine 38.3%, vaginal exudates 27.8%, soft tissue 12.9%, and blood 8.5%. Susceptibility to ampicillin or penicillin was 94% whereas resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were 2.8% and 5.2% respectively. In total 46 culture-positive cases of invasive infections were reported, 11 (24%) in neonates and 35 (76%) in adults. In 2004–2012 a total of 671 isolates were found in urine 47.8%, vaginal exudates 32.6%, soft tissue 2.7% and blood 9%. Susceptibility rates to ampicillin and penicillin were 98% whereas resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were 12.5% and 9.4%. A total of 95 severe infections were reported: 12 (12.6%) were in neonates, 5 (5.3%) in children and 78 (82.1%) in adults. Over the 17-year study period the averaged prevalence of invasive S. agalactiae isolates was 17.4%. The estimated incidence for neonatal infections was 1.34 per 1000 livebirths (0.99 × 1000 livebirths for early- onset disease and 0.35 × 1000 livebirths for late- onset disease) whereas for non-pregnant adults the estimated incidence was 0.75 × 1000 admissions.ConclusionsA remarkable increase in bloodstream infections in immunosuppressed adults and a shift to early neonatal S. agalactiae infections were seen over time. We also found an increase in S. agalactiae resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin during the study period, and the emergence of penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates. Our findings are consistent with the global trends described elsewhere, reinforcing the need for S. agalactiae control measures in our region.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2334-14-428) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Isolation of a field strain of Brucella abortus from RB51-vaccinated- and brucellosis-seronegative bovine yearlings that calved normally

A study was carried out in Pichucalco, Chiapas (Mexico) to determine whether recently calved cows or those that aborted shed Brucella. Serological diagnosis of brucellosis was made in all animals (209). Six of the cows that calved normally and two that aborted underwent a bacteriological study of milk and vaginal exudate. Brucella abortus was isolated from vaginal exudate samples in two 3- to 4-year-old seronegative first-birth cows that had calved normally. This was confirmed through bacteriological identification and PCR as a field strain and smooth phenotypes. We conclude that seronegative cows vaccinated with RB51 which calved normally and shed B. abortus in the vaginal exudate after calving could be a serious problem because these cows are overlooked in routine diagnoses and are a source of Brucella infection.

A peculiar presentation: For 2 women, a rare infection preceded a more urgent diagnosis

A copious watery vaginal discharge was the symptom in 2 similar, although unusual cases. The first patient, a 51-year-old woman, also reported that the discharge was bloody. Twelve years earlier, she had undergone surgery and chemoradiation therapy for cervical cancer. Three years later, she had laser ablation for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2. She was then lost to follow-up evaluation until 6 months before her current admission, when she sought treatment for the vaginal exudate. A biopsy identified colonies of Actinomyces species, and she was treated with penicillin.

Vaginal Inflammatory Status in Pregnant Women with Normal and Pathogenic Microbiota in Lower Genital Tract

Objective. To assess the vaginal inflammatory status (VIS) in pregnant women, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, by leukocyte quantification in relation to the microbiota during each pregnancy trimester (T). Materials and Methods. A thousand two hundred and forty eight vaginal exudates from pregnant women were prospectively examined. All the patients underwent a clinical and colposcopic examination and a microbiological study of vaginal exudates. Leukocyte quantification was determined by May-Grunwald Giemsa staining as LNR per field (400X). Results. Statistically significant differences (SSD) in LNR were observed in the VIS of asymptomatic patients (AP) compared with that of symptomatic ones (SP) with normal microbiota: 10–15 for the 1st T, <10, 20 to 25 and >25 for the 2nd T and >25 for the 3rd; with candidiasis: <10 for the 1st T, <10, 15 to 20 and >25 for the 2nd T and <10 and >25 for the 3rd T. In women with trichomoniasis, SSD in the LNR were observed between SP with LNR ≥ 10 and AP with NLR < 10 in the three trimesters altogether. In women with BV, no SSD were observed in the LNR of any AP with respect to SP for the three T. Conclusion. The VIS is influenced by vaginal microbiota and depends on the state of pregnancy and also, on gestational age. The pronounced leukocyte increase in asymptomatic patients in the absence of lower genital tract infection during the third trimester of pregnancy should be highlighted.

Isolation of Brucella melitensis from a RB51-vaccinated seronegative goat

The purpose of this study is to determine the etiology of abortions presented in a goat herd declared as free of brucellosis and vaccinated with RB51 located in Mexico. The serological diagnosis of brucellosis in 33 animals was performed. The study included three goats that aborted in the last third of gestation and 15 goats that gave birth normally; samples of milk and vaginal exudate were subjected to bacteriological study. All animals were negative for serological diagnosis, and isolation of Brucella melitensis was achieved in a single goat from vaginal exudate. However, the particularity is that this goat was negative to the card, indirect ELISA, and radial immunodiffusion tests. Isolation of a field strain was confirmed by biochemical test resistance to rifampicin and PCR. It is concluded that a goat which aborted in the last third of gestation was found spreading B. melitensis through vaginal discharge despite being vaccinated with RB51 and seronegative for brucellosis.

Genital candidosis in heterosexual couples

Evidence suggests that Candida can be sexually transmitted; however, the contribution of sexual transmission to the pathogenesis of genital candidosis needs further elucidation. The aim was to evaluate genital candidosis and its transmissibility in heterosexual couples. Heterosexual couples were recruited among attendees of an Sexually Transmitted Diseases clinic. Specimens for yeast culture were collected from the glans penis and inner preputial layer using direct impression on CHROMagar Candida medium; vaginal exudates were collected using a cotton swab with subsequent inoculation on CHROMagar Candida medium. Mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis was performed to compare Candida isolates from both partners. A total of 64 couples were enrolled in the study. Frequency of sexual intercourse was significantly higher in couples where both partners yielded positive cultures and with at least one having genital candidosis (Odds ratios: 6.844; 95% CI 1.408-33.266). The same Candida species was found in both partners in 25% (16/64) of all couples but only 17.2% (11/64) were genetically similar. In total 12 of the 34 women suffering from vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) had recurrent VVC (RVVC); two sexual partners of RVVC women (16.7%) had candida positive cultures, compared with 15 (68.2%) sexual partners of non RVVC women (Odds ratios: 0.093; 95% CI 0.016-0.544). Only in a few heterosexual couples a genetic similarity of Candida species recovered from both partners was found. RVVC women were more likely to have an asymptomatic candida negative sexual partner. This study suggests that male genitalia do not represent a relevant reservoir for RVVC; thus, the relevance of sexual transmission should not be emphasized.

Antifungal Activity of Brazilian Propolis Microparticles against Yeasts Isolated from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Propolis, a resinous compound produced by Apis mellifera L. bees, is known to possess a variety of biological activities and is applied in the therapy of various infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of propolis ethanol extract (PE) and propolis microparticles (PMs) obtained from a sample of Brazilian propolis against clinical yeast isolates of importance in the vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). PE was used to prepare the microparticles. Yeast isolates (n = 89), obtained from vaginal exudates of patients with VVC, were exposed to the PE and the PMs. Moreover, the main antifungal drugs used in the treatment of VVC (Fluconazole, Voriconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Amphotericin B) were also tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined according to the standard broth microdilution method. Some Candida albicans isolates showed resistance or dose-dependent susceptibility for the azolic drugs and Amphotericin B. Non-C. albicans isolates showed more resistance and dose-dependent susceptibility for the azolic drugs than C. albicans. However, all of them were sensitive or dose-dependent susceptible for Amphotericin B. All yeasts were inhibited by PE and PMs, with small variation, independent of the species of yeast. The overall results provided important information for the potential application of PMs in the therapy of VVC and the possible prevention of the occurrence of new symptomatic episodes.

Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis in East European countries

The laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in many Eastern European countries remains suboptimal. The main objective of the present evidence-based guidelines is to provide comprehensive information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in East European countries. In particular, the present guidelines recommend: (i) to encourage examination of the wet mounts of vaginal exudates, instead of stained smears, at all clinical settings; (ii) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or culture could be employed if no trichomonads are detected on microscopic examination of the wet preparation and there is a strong indication of infection and (iii) the use of NAATs is encouraged in screening, using non-invasive specimens, or high volume testing situations. In the absence of internationally recognized commercial NAAT systems, tests developed in-house should be validated using obtainable international standards and quality assured strictly. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.

Antifungal Activity of Propolis Extract Against Yeasts Isolated from Vaginal Exudates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of propolis extract against yeasts Candida albicans and Candida non-albicans isolated from vaginal exudates, in comparison with nystatin. Ninety-seven (97) vaginal yeasts strains were evaluated. These strains were obtained from different clinical conditions, isolated and stored at the Sector of Medical Mycology of the State University of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil). The assays of susceptibility to nystatin and propolis extracts (PE) were conducted through microdilution in broth (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards-NCCLS, M-27A Document of 1997). All the yeasts tested were inhibited by low concentrations of PE (maximum of 393.19 mug/mL of the total flavonoid content), including an isolate resistant to nystatin, regardless of the clinical conditions of the women and the species of yeast isolated. The PE showed an outstanding performance against the tested vaginal yeast strains, and could be included among the novel therapeutic options for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Prevalence and Comparison of Diagnostic Methods for Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Pregnant Women in Argentina

The objectives of this study were to conduct a prevalence survey of trichomoniasis in pregnant women and to evaluate the utility of different methods for its diagnosis. A total of 597 vaginal exudates from pregnant women who were examined at the Hospital de Clinicas in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 1 August 2005 to 31 January 2007, were prospectively and consecutively evaluated. The investigation of Trichomonas vaginalis was made by different microscopic examinations, and culture on liquid medium. The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic examinations were assessed considering culture on liquid medium as the "gold standard". The prevalence of T. vaginalis obtained by culture on liquid medium was 4.0% (24/597). The prevalence of T. vaginalis obtained by direct wet smear, prolonged May-Grunwald Giemsa staining, and sodium acetate-formalin (SAF)/methylene blue staining-fixing technique was 1.8%, 2.3% and 2.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of the direct wet smear was 45.8%, that of the prolonged May-Grunwald Giemsa staining was 58.3%, and that of the SAF/methylene blue method was 62.5%. Considering the 3 microscopic examinations altogether, the sensitivity rose to 66.7% and the specificity was 100% for all of them. This is the first time that the prevalence data of T. vaginalis by culture in pregnant women are published in Argentina. Due to the low sensitivity obtained by microscopy in asymptomatic pregnant women, the use of the liquid medium is recommended during pregnancy, in order to provide an early diagnosis and treatment.

Validation of an immunologic diagnostic kit for infectious vaginitis by Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis

FemPure is a kit for the rapid diagnosis of vaginitis by Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., and Gardnerella vaginalis, based on aggregation of latex particles joined to specific antibodies. The validation of the method involved the parameters specificity, detection limit, robustness, clinical sensitivity, and clinical specificity. Also, samples analyzed in parallel by the validated test and other recognized tests conducted by external laboratory were included. The method was specific for the 3 infectious agents, and no cross-reaction with other microorganisms usually present in vaginal exudates. The detection limit ≥1 × 10 6 CFU/mL for Candida albicans and G. vaginalis avoids the detection of concentrations considered normal flora, whereas T. vaginalis was detected until 1 × 10 5 cells/mL. Values of clinical sensitivity ≥80% and clinical specificity ≥90% and concordance ≥90% were found between samples evaluated in parallel by different methods. Robustness showed that the test can be used in laboratories with different management systems; its simple implementation without equipment allows the use in primary health care areas.

Toxoplasma gondii: An improved rat model of congenital infection

The objective of this study was to refine the rat model of congenital toxoplasmosis. In Fischer rats we found that visualization of spermatozoa in vaginal exudates and the detection of at least 6 g body weight increase between days 9 and 12 of pregnancy, allowed the diagnosis and timing of pregnancy with 60% specificity and 84% sensitivity. A dose of 10 4 Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites or 10 2 T. gondii oocysts of the Prugniaud strain resulted in more than 50% of congenital infection of the rat litters. Transmission of T. gondii via lactation was not detected in rats inoculated with either bradyzoites or oocysts. Bioassays of 51 neonates born from mothers inoculated with bradyzoites (in tissue cysts) and 29 neonates from mothers inoculated with oocysts demonstrated that both liver and lungs can be used for the diagnosis of congenital transmission in this model.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Prevention of Spontaneous Abortion in the CBA × DBA/2 Mouse Model by Intravaginal TGF‐β and Local Recruitment of CD4+ 8+ FOXP3+ Cells

ProblemActivation of latent transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β in seminal plasma has been suggested by Robertson et al. to promote maternal tolerance to paternal antigens. A possible consequence reported by Tremellen et al. is increased pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. A decreased spontaneous abortion rate has also been postulated. Seminal plasma contains many factors besides TGF‐β, and a critical test of the hypothesis was required. The purpose of the present study was to directly test the effect of pure TGF‐β.Method of studyPharmaceutical grade bioactive TGF‐β3 with a bovine serum albumin (BSA) carrier 0.1–1% in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was given into the vaginal tract of CBA/J female mice at the time of mating with DBA/2 males. One microgram Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide was given intraperitoneally to augment occult losses and spontaneous resorptions assessed on day 13.5 of pregnancy. The effect of TGF‐β3 on recruitment of lymphomyeloid cells to the vaginal wall and vaginal lumen of unmated mice in estrus was assessed using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.ResultsTwo nanogram of intravaginal TGF‐β3 in 0.1% BSA–PBS or 20 ng in 1% BSA–PBS reduced abortion rates. Protection was comparable to that achieved by immunization with BALB/c spleen cells. Fraction V BSA, a binder of TGF‐βs, had some activity, and could reduce availability of added TGF‐β3. CD11c dendritic cells, CD3+ T cells, and CD25+ cells were recruited to the vaginal wall by 48 hr after TGF‐β3 treatment, and cellularity of vaginal exudates increased. Foxp3+ cells were present in increased numbers, and appeared to be CD8+ and CD4+ 8+. Semen, but not TGF‐β3, stimulated a physiological polymorphonuclear leukocyte exudate.ConclusionIntravaginal bioactive TGF‐β3 can enhance success of pregnancy in vivo in an established model of abortion. The result could be explained by the independent ability of TGF‐β to promote a regulatory T‐cell response.

Can intrauterine contraceptive devices be a Candida albicans reservoir?

Background The in vitro adherence of Candida albicans isolated from vaginal exudates of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) to intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) and biofilm formation capacity were evaluated. Study Design This research was conducted with two vaginal C. albicans isolates. The adherence on IUD by both radiomarked adhesion assay and scanning electron microscopy, and the biofilm production capacity by spectrophotometric method were determined. Results The yeasts adhered strongly to different parts of the IUD (covered with copper wire, without copper wire and tail), and there was no significant difference in the rates of adhesion to the different parts (p=.7771). The vaginal yeasts showed a high capacity to produce biofilm. Conclusions Two vaginal yeasts evaluated showed a high capacity to produce biofilm on IUD. It was confirmed that all parts of the IUD allow the adherence of yeasts. The adherence of C. albicans to different parts of the IUD and its formation of biofilm seems to be important attributes influencing the occurrence of VVC and recurrent VVC.