Vaginal Swab Samples Research Articles

Effects of intrauterine contraception on the vaginal microbiota

ObjectivesThere have been conflicting reports of altered vaginal microbiota and infection susceptibility associated with contraception use. The objectives of this study were to determine if intrauterine contraception altered the vaginal microbiota and to compare the effects of a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) and a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on the vaginal microbiota. Study designDNA was isolated from the vaginal swab samples of 76 women using Cu-IUD (n=36) or LNG-IUS (n=40) collected prior to insertion of intrauterine contraception (baseline) and at 6 months. A third swab from approximately 12 months following insertion was available for 69 (Cu-IUD, n=33; LNG-IUS, n=36) of these women. The V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA-encoding gene was amplified from the vaginal swab DNA and sequenced. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were processed and analyzed using the software package mothur to compare the structure and dynamics of the vaginal bacterial communities. ResultsThe vaginal microbiota from individuals in this study clustered into 3 major vaginal bacterial community types: one dominated by Lactobacillus iners, one dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and one community type that was not dominated by a single Lactobacillus species. Changes in the vaginal bacterial community composition were not associated with the use of Cu-IUD or LNG-IUS. Additionally, we did not observe a clear difference in vaginal microbiota stability with Cu-IUD versus LNG-IUS use. ConclusionsAlthough the vaginal microbiota can be highly dynamic, alterations in the community associated with the use of intrauterine contraception (Cu-IUD or LNG-IUS) were not detected over 12 months. ImplicationsWe found no evidence that intrauterine contraception (Cu-IUD or LNG-IUS) altered the vaginal microbiota composition. Therefore, the use of intrauterine contraception is unlikely to shift the composition of the vaginal microbiota such that infection susceptibility is altered.

A novel bovine papillomavirus type in the genus Dyokappapapillomavirus.

Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of viruses thatare known to infect a wide range of animal species. Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) are divided into at least 21 genotypes (BPV1 to BPV21), with most BPV isolates/strains described to date belonging to one of four genera, including Deltapapillomavirus, Xipapillomavirus, Epsilonpapillomavirus and Dyoxipapillomavirus. Here, we describe the identification and genetic characterization of a new BPV type in the genus Dyokappapapillomavirus. A farm in the state of New York, USA, reported chronic cases of vulvovaginitis in Holstein cows in 2016. Biopsies and/or swab samples collected from the vaginal mucosa were subjected to diagnostic investigation. Conventional diagnostic assays yielded negative results, and vaginal swab samples were subjected to viral metagenomic sequencing. Notably, BLAST searches revealed a papillomavirus genome with 7480 bp in length (67% nt sequence identity to BPV16). Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the L1 gene of the papillomavirus identified here (tentatively named BPV22) revealed that it clusters with members of the genus Dyokappapapillomavirus. Interestingly, the recently identified BPV16, which was detected in fibropapilloma lesions in cattle also clusters within the Dyokappapapillomavirus group. Each virus, however, forms a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree. These results indicate that the putative BPV22 represents the second BPV within the genus Dyokappapapillomavirus.

Identification of Candida species in vaginal flora using conventional and molecular methods

Vaginal swab samples were collected both from women with signs of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC; n=270) and from healthy controls (n=100). The microscopic examination revealed a significant difference in the proportion of positive cultures of Candida between the VVC (33%) and control (21%) groups. To determine the frequency of different species, positive cultures were analyzed using the germ tube test, CHROMagar medium, API 20 AUX System and DNA analysis. CHROMagar and API 20 AUX System tests identified 67% of samples as C.albicans. Out of these, 42% appeared to be C.dubliniensis when the specific primers in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used. We observed the prevalence of Candida species isolated from the vagina in descending order as follows: C.albicans (38-39%), C.glabrata (32-33%), C.dubliniensis (28-29%) and C.tropicalis (0-1%) for both the VVC and the control group.

Report on the Identification of Different Y-STR Profiles between the Epithelial Cell Fraction (I) and the Sperm Fraction (II) of Samples from Sexual Assault Cases

최근 보급된 성폭력 응급 키트는 가해자의 타액이나 정액의 존재 여부를 확인하기 위하여 더 다양하고 세분화되었다. 이러한 이유로, 기존에 나타나지 않았던 Y-STR 프로필에 대한 여러 가지 특이한 사례들이 나타나고 있다. 여기에서는 국립과학수사연구원에서 감정했던 사례 중 Y-STR 프로필과 관련된 특이적인 두 사례에 대해 보고하고자 한다. 1번째 사례는, 정액반응 양성인 피해자의 생식기 채취 증거물(질 내용물, 자궁경부 닦은 면봉)에서 A (Autosomal)-STR 프로필은 피해자의 것만 검출되지만, 상피세포층(I)과 정자분획층(II)에서 서로 다른 남성의 Y-STR 프로필이 검출된 경우이다. 2번째 사례는, 정액반응 양성인 피해자의 생식기 채취 증거물(질 내용물)에서 남성①의 A-STR 프로필을 확보하였지만, 정자분획층(II)과 상피세포층(I)에서는 각각 남성① 및 남성②의 Y-STR 프로필이 검출된 경우이다. 2번째 사례에서, 남성①의 A-STR 프로필은 피의자의 A-STR 프로필과 일치하지 않았고, 오히려 상피세포 층(I)의 남성②의 Y-STR 프로필이 피의자의 Y-STR 프로필과 일치하였다. 이러한 사례들은 Y-STR 프로필과 관련된 감정을 더욱 신중하고 정확한 판단을 할 수 있도록 도움을 줄 것으로 사료된다.Recently supplied sexual assault evidence emergency kit is further subdivided and diversified to detect saliva and semen of suspect exactly. Therefore, some cases show an unique Y-STR profiling, which has not been reported. Here, we show two particular Y-STR typing cases performed in National Forensic Service. In the first case, only victim ’ s A (autosomal)-STR profile was detectable in the vaginal swab sample, which was positive for detection of semen. But, two different male s Y-STR profiles were obtained from the fraction of epithelial cells (I) and the fraction of sperm cells (II) of same evidence sample. In the second case, A-STR profile of one man (male ①) was obtained in the vaginal swab sample, which was positive for detection of semen. But, Y-STR profile of male① and Y-STR profile of another man (male②) were detected from FEC and FSC of same evidence sample, respectively. In this case, A-STR profile of male① did not match A-STR profile obtained from suspect. But, Y-STR profile of male① obatined from FEC was identical to suspect’s Y-STR profile. In conclusion, these cases will help to make more accurate decisions for the interpretation of Y-STR profiles obtained from crime scene samples.

Survey of possible pathogenic organisms found in urine and vaginal swab samples of selected female population in Lagos, Nigeria

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms and females are more at risk of the infection. This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of pathogenic organisms other than bacteria in urine and vaginal swabs of some selected female individuals and to determine the suitable sample material appropriate for identification of such organisms. Samples were collected from 200 female students of Yabatech and 200 patients attending General Hospital Lagos Island. The female students’ and patients’ age ranged from 16-55 years. Questionnaires were also administered. A total of 400 samples were collected and examined microscopically and also cultured for organisms’ growth. The organisms encountered were Yeast cells, Pus cells and Trichomonas vaginalis . 5(2.5%) positive samples with Trichomonas vaginalis were detected among the examined patients while none of the students were found infected with Trichomonas vaginalis . Yeast cells were the most frequently encountered organism while Trichomonas were the least encountered. The vaginal swab samples yielded more organisms than urine samples. Age group 31-35 years were observed to have the highest percentage growth rate of cultured organisms with students having 87.5% while the patients had 48.8%. Vaginal discharge was the commonest symptom identified among the examined individuals with 68(34.0%) responses. No statistical significance was observed among results obtained for both students and patients. Sex education should be introduced as a means of increasing students’ awareness of infections and proper sanitation enforced by the institution. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: UTI, Trichomonas , Yeast cells, Pyuria, Vaginitis, Hygiene

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> isolated from fertile and infertile women

Purpose: To study the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the high vaginal swab samples of fertile and infertile women who were referred to Infertility and Sterility Hospitals, Tehran, Iran as well as investigate their antibiotic resistance pattern.Methods: Three hundred and twenty high vaginal swabs were taken from fertile and infertile women. The samples were cultured and those that were N. gonorrhoeae-positive subjected to the disk diffusion susceptibility test.Results: Prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae in fertile and infertile women were 5.26 and 16.92 %, respectively. All isolates harbored orf1 gene. Patients in the age bracket > 40 years were at high risk. N. gonorrhoeae strains showed high level resistance against ampicillin (87.5 %), ciprofloxacin (75 %), tetracycline (71.87 %) and penicillin (68.75 %).Conclusion: The possible role of resistant N. gonorrhoeae as pathogens causing female infertility constitutes an important finding of the study. The high levels of bacterial resistance against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, penicillin and spectinomycin, should be taken into account in developing any new guidelines in the management of the infection.Keywords: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Female infertility Drug Resistance, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, Spectinomycin

Prevalence of <i>Trichomonasvaginalis</i> Among Female Patients Attending the General Hospital Nasarawa, Nasarawa State

Trichomonasvaginalis, the etiologic agent of Trichomoniasis is transmitted by sexual intercourse, and is associated with the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In Nigeria, Trichomonasvaginalis infections are not reportable to health agencies and there is dearth of data on the actual prevalence. This cohort study determines the prevalence of Trichomonasvaginalis among female patients attending General Hospital Nasarawa, NasarawaState.Wet mount of all swab samples was made to check for the presence of motility. Out of 100 vaginal swabs samples analyzed, an overallprevalence of 12.0% was recorded. The highest prevalence of 16.67% was recorded for the 31-35 years old, while the lowest prevalence of 7.67% was recorded for16-20 years old. 13.2% prevalence was recorded in single women while 8.70% prevalence was recorded in married women. Those with three or more sex partners had 75% prevalence, 50% prevalencewas reported for those with two sex partners, while 3.6% was reported for those with one sex partner Trichomoniasis remained endemic in many developing countries where control may only be possible by regular screening and treatment. Sexual promiscuity and age were important predisposing factors of infection distribution in the studied population.

Isolation of Chlamydia spp. from Ewes and Does in Iran.

Enzootic ovine abortion is caused by Chlamydia abortus and may result in abortion among small ruminants during the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy. Enzootic abortion is diagnosed by isolation of the agent or detection of its nucleic acid in the products of abortion or vaginal excretions of freshly aborted females. Isolation of chlamydial agents in cell culture is the gold standard, so in the present study this method was employed. Twenty-eight vaginal and conjunctival swab samples were selected from ewes and does that had recently aborted. The samples were inoculated to McCoy cells. The inoculated cells were fixed, stained by Giemsa staining, and mounted on slides. Finally, the slides were observed by an optical microscope for the presence chlamydial inclusion bodies. Chlamydia was isolated from four conjunctival and three vaginal samples. All the negative cultures were passaged a further two times. Cell culture was identified as the most convenient method for the isolation of Chlamydia and remains essential to document the viability of the organism. Isolation of Chlamydia in the present study, highlights the importance of paying more attention to the bacterium as one of the main abortifacient pathogens along with other infectious causes of abortion.

Young Low-Risk Heterosexual Clients Prefer a Chlamydia Home Collection Test to a Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Visit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, A Cross-Sectional Study.

Home-based self-collection of specimens for urogenital and anorectal chlamydia testing has been proven feasible and acceptable. We studied the efficiency of chlamydia home collection kits for young low-risk persons to optimize care at the Amsterdam sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Low-risk heterosexual persons under 25 years submitting an appointment request online were offered 3 different ways of chlamydia testing: (1) receiving a home collection kit, (2) coming to the clinic without, or (3) with sexual health counseling. The collection kit was sent to the client by surface mail and was used to self-collect a vaginal swab or urine sample (men). This sample was sent back to the laboratory for testing and the results could be retrieved online. Testing for gonorrhea, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus was indicated after testing chlamydia-positive. Between September 2012 until July 2013, from 1804 online requests, 1451 (80%) opted for the home collection kit, 321 (18%) preferred an appointment at the clinic without, and 32 (2%) with sexual health counseling. Of the requested home collection kits, 88% were returned. Chlamydia was diagnosed in 6.0% of the clients receiving a home collection kit, and none of the chlamydia-positive clients tested positive for other STI. Home collection is the preferred method for most young low-risk heterosexual clients who seek STI care. With a high compliance to collect and return the samples, home collection can be used as a tool to increase efficiency and dedicate STI clinic workers efforts to those at highest risk.

Coxiella burnetii detected in three species of endangered North African gazelles that recently aborted

Coxiella (C.) burnetii is the etiological agent of the zoonotic disease known a Q fever. This agent can infect multiple hosts although its pathogenic potential in wild ruminants has been poorly studied. The polymerase chain reaction and the serological test detected the presence of C. burnetii in a population of North African gazelles (n = 355), comprising dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta), dama gazelle (Nanger dama mhorr) and Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) which, some of them, they recently aborted. Serological tests for Brucella spp., C. burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus, border disease pestivirus, and Toxoplasma spp. were performed together with specific cultures to detect Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Campylobacter spp. and a polymerase chain reaction for C. burnetii on serum and vaginal swabs samples collected from a representative number of animals (n = 65). These tests only detected the presence of C. burnetii in 18 specimens (27.3%). C. burnetii was the only pathogen detected, with eight animals testing positive on the polymerase chain reaction, 15 on the serological test, and five on both the tests. This article reveals the presence of C. burnetii during a medium and late-stage abortions occurred in a population of North African gazelles. The presence of C. burnetii as causal agent of abortions in Cuvier's gazelles has never been reported. The consequences of the findings are discussed here, showing the need to adopt urgent control measures to prevent the spread of C. burnetii in captive populations that are essential for the conservation of these endangered species.

Liver Enzymes Assay and Haematological Parameters of Bacteria Infected Guinea Pigs Fed with Probiotics

Some Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus, L. casei and L. plantarum) were isolated from locally fermented products (ogi, fura de Nunu and wara) and their effect on microbial infections caused by some pathogenic bacteria (E.coli, K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphyloccoccus aureus) isolated from urine and high vaginal swab samples were studied using standard micriobiological methods.Fifiteen (15) healthy guinea pigs used for the study were divided into three (3) groups of five (5) guinea pigs each and placed in three (3) different cages. The pigs were initially fed for two (2) weeks (acclimatization period) with conventional feeds before administering the treatment. Lactobacillus species were introduced into the guinea pigs in cage 2 after the acclimatization period. Subsequently, the guinea pigs in cages 1 and 2 were orally infected with all the clinical bacteria pathogens while the guinea pigs in cage 3 which served as control were left with no microbial treatment. Ten (10) days after treatment, the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HBC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity level were determined. Striking differences were observed from guinea pigs in the different cages. The effectiveness of Lactobacilli (probiotics) was evident when the guinea pigs in cages 1 and 2 were compared. The guinea pigs in cage 1 which were infected with pathogens but no probiotics had lower blood level (mean PCV= 24.8%) and inferior liver condition (mean ALT=58.18μl; mean AST=51.91μl). Higher blood level (Mean PCV=45%) and superior liver conditions (Mean ALT=9.51μl; mean AST=9.7μl) were obtained for guinea pigs in cage 2 which were infected with the same pathogens and fed with probiotics. The control (cage 3) had the highest PCV level and best liver conditions (mean PCV=46.6%, means ALT= 7.65μl; mean AST=11.83μl).Th .This might be attributed to the fact that they were not infected with pathogenic organisms. Lactobacillus species administered are promising probiotics against the tested bacterial pathogens.

Study of the prevalence and association of ocular chlamydial conjunctivitis in women with genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans attending outpatient clinic.

To determine the association between chlamydial conjunctivitis and genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans, in addition to the possible relationship between cultured bacterial pathogens and oculogenital chlamydial infection. This study was performed on 100 (50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic) women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric outpatient clinic of Alzahra hospital, Alazhar University. Simultaneously a conjunctival swab was taken from these patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on DNA extracted from both vaginal and conjunctival swab samples. Culture for both vaginal and conjunctival swabs was also done. Candida albicans was the predominant organism isolated by culture in 20% and 40% of conjunctival and vaginal swabs respectively. By the PCR method, ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 60% of symptomatic women, while genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was present in 30% of symptomatic women. The results of this method also indicated that 25/50 (50%) vaginal swabs were positive with PCR for Candida albicans versus 15/50 (30%) were PCR positive in conjunctival swab. Mycoplasma genitalium was present in only 10% of vaginal swabs. Concomitant oculogenital PCR positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans were 30% and 28% respectively. Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was associated with genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a high percentage of women followed by Candida albicans. Cultured bacterial organisms do not play a role in enhancement of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Identification of a novel human papillomavirus by metagenomic analysis of vaginal swab samples from pregnant women.

BackgroundThe number of members in the genus Gammapapillomavirus of Family Papillomaviridae has recently been expanding most rapidly. The aim of this study was to characterize a novel human gammapapillomavirus type identified in a vaginal swab from a 25-year-old pregnant woman suffering from vaginitis.MethodsViral metagenomics method was used to detect the viral sequences in 88 vaginal swab samples collected from 88 pregnant women with vaginitis. A novel papillomavirus, named HPV-ZJ01 (GenBank no. KX082661), was detected in one sample and its complete genome sequence was amplified by PCR and sequenced by Sanger walking. Phylogenetic analyses based on the complete genome and the L1 protein of HPV-ZJ01 and other representative human papillomaviruses were done, respectively. Further PCR screening was performed in vaginal swabs (n = 135), cervical smears (n = 40) and cervical cancer tissues (n = 40) using nested-PCR primers designed based on HPV-ZJ01 sequence to investigate the prevalence of HPV-ZJ01.ResultsThe genome of HPV-ZJ01 is 7,358 bp in length with a GC content of 37.8 %. HPV-ZJ01 was predicted to contain six open reading frames (E6, E7, E1, E2, L2, and L1) and a non-coding long control region (LCR). The genome shared the highest overall similarity to HPV-166, with 70.6 % nucleotide sequence identity while its L1 gene shared the highest nucleotide similarity to HPV-162, with 71.1 % sequence identity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that HPV-ZJ01 belongs to a novel HPV type in the Gamma-PV genus, species Gamma-19, already containing HPV161, HPV162 and HPV166. PCR screening results indicated that none of the other samples were positive for HPV-ZJ01 except the original HPV-ZJ01 positive vaginal swab specimen.ConclusionThe genome sequence of a novel type of species Gamma-19 HPV was characterized. The screening PCR results suggested that HPV-ZJ01 is not associated with any of the cervical cancer samples tested. In order to confirm the prevalence and disease association, if any, for HPV-ZJ01, a further study with different sample types and a larger sample size is needed.

Prevalence of Candida Species among HIV Positive Patients in Two Tertiary Hospitals in Rivers State

The study investigated the prevalence of Candida species among HIV positive patients in two tertiary hospitals in Rivers State. A total of 300 samples of sputum, throat swab and high vaginal swab samples were obtained from HIV positive patients attending Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The Candida species identified from the samples include; C. albicans, C. stellatoidea and C. tropicalis. The mean distribution of C. albicans, C. stellatoidea and C. tropicalis among the study subjects were 179.00 ± 11.36, 7.00 ± 1.00 and 72.33 ± 27.10 respectively. Sputum samples obtained from HIV positive patients had the highest prevalence of Candida species (56.3 %), followed by throat swab sample (30.7 %) and high vaginal swab samples (13.0 %). Prevalence of candidiasis among HIV patients was revealed to be higher among subjects between the ages of 26 - 33 years followed by 18 - 25 years, 34 - 41 years, 42 - 49 years, 50 - 57 years and 58 - 65 years. The compromised immune systems of HIV positive patients permits the multiplication of Candida species leading to infections.

Comparison of DRY and WET vaginal swabs with cervical specimens in Roche Cobas 4800 HPV and Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV tests

BackgroundSelf-collected vaginal swab samples have been proposed as an alternative specimen collection method for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection. ObjectivesTwo vaginal swabs (a cone-shaped flocked swab (DRY) and a L-shape FLOQSwab with 2mL eNAT transport medium (WET)) were compared to standard cervical samples for HPV DNA testing. Additionally, they were also compared by using Roche Cobas 4800 HPV (Roche_HPV) and Abbott Real-time High Risk HPV (Abbott_HPV) tests. Study designNinety-six women were prospectively enrolled from the National Cancer Center in Korea between June and August 2015. WET and DRY vaginal swabs and cervical specimens were collected. Roche_HPV and Abbott_HPV tests were performed. The Roche_HPV test on cervical specimens was used as reference. ResultsThe observed agreements (kappa) of Roche_HPV and Abbott_HPV between WET and DRY swabs were 89.6% (0.790, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.667–0.913) and 91.7% (0.833, 95%CI: 0.723–0.943), respectively. No statistical difference was observed between WET and DRY swabs (p>0.05 for all comparisons). For HPV16/18, the sensitivity/specificity of Roche_HPV on the DRY and WET samples presented 93.8%/96.3% and 87.5%/97.5%, respectively. For other High Risk HPV (hrHPV), the sensitivity/specificity of Roche_HPV on the DRY and WET swabs presented 91.9%/91.5% and 97.3%/98.3, respectively. The sensitivity/specificity of the Abbott_HPV on the DRY and WET swabs were 93.8%/98.8%, 87.5%/98.8% for HPV16/18, and 91.9%/93.2%, 100.0%/93.2% for other hrHPV, respectively. ConclusionsHPV tests performed similarly when using vaginal DRY and WET swab samples. Using DRY and WET swabs to collect vaginal specimens could be an alternative to collecting cervical samples for HPV DNA testing.

Simultaneous detection of Waddlia chondrophila and Listeria monocytogenes in aborted ruminant samples by real-time quantitative PCR

Waddlia chondrophila and Listeria monocytogenes are well known emerging pathogens that cause ruminants' abortion around the world. Zoonotic infections caused by these bacteria are mostly underestimated due to difficulties of diagnosis resulting from their intracellular growth. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a dual real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the simultaneous quantification of W. chondrophila and L. monocytogenes in biological samples from aborted ruminants. Technical performance was examined using linear control plasmids. A total of 211 veterinary samples (15 placental tissues, 50 blood, 53 milk and 93 vaginal swab samples) were used to compare the qPCR with standard culture methods. The limit of detection was 2 plasmid template copies per reaction with approximately 5000-fold differences in concentrations of the two competing templates. Coefficients of variation for positive control plasmids were less than 1.8%. Both intra- (1.01–2.13% and 1.13–1.71%) and inter- (1.02–2.24% and 1.2–1.66%) assay variations of qPCR for W. chondrophila and L. monocytogenes plasmids were within the acceptable limits, implying high reproducibility and repeatability of the assay. The use of the qPCR assay resulted in 53 positive identifications among 211 veterinary samples against only 19 when standard cultural methods were used. On the basis of these results, we determined 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for our new qPCR. Dual abortigenic agents were identified in 8.6% and 26.6% of vaginal swab samples and placental tissues, respectively. To conclude, this new qPCR will be of great value in the simultaneous and rapid diagnosis of W. chondrophila and L. monocytogenes in large-scale screening programs and also during outbreaks.

Bovine leukemia virus infection in cattle of China: Association with reduced milk production and increased somatic cell score

The main objective of this study was to investigate the individual cow effect of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection on milk production and somatic cell score (SCS). The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) quantitative PCR established in this study and a commercial ELISA kit revealed that 49.1% of dairy cattle (964/1,963) from 6 provinces of China and 1.6% of beef cattle (22/1,390) from 15 provinces were BLV positive. In a detailed study of 105 cows, BLV was found most commonly in buffy coat samples that also had highest copy numbers (104.75±1.56 per mL); all cows negative for BLV in buffy coat samples were also negative in vaginal swab, milk, and fecal samples. Copy numbers of BLV were 102.90±0.42/gram of feces, 100.83±0.62/mL of milk, and 102.18±0.81 per vaginal swab. The BLV-positive cows had significantly lower milk production in the early (26.8 vs. 30.9kg) and middle stages of lactation (22.2 vs. 26.1kg) in animals with ≥4 parities than the BLV-negative cows; they also had significantly higher SCS in early and middle lactation stages (early=5.2 vs. 4.3; middle=4.9 vs. 3.9) in animals with ≥4 parities. Milk production and SCS did not significantly differ between the BLV-infected and -uninfected cows when they were in the late lactation stage or in animals with ≤3 parities. Taken together, our results indicate that BLV infections are widespread in the dairy farms of China. Vaginal secretions and feces may be involved in BLV transmission. A BLV infection may result in reduced milk yield and increased SCS in a parity and lactation stage-restricted manner.

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Women Visiting 2 Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Daegu, South Korea.

This study explored epidemiological trends in trichomoniasis in Daegu, South Korea. Wet mount microscopy, PCR, and multiplex PCR were used to test for Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal swab samples obtained from 621 women visiting 2 clinics in Daegu. Of the 621 women tested, microscopy detected T. vaginalis in 4 (0.6%) patients, PCR detected T. vaginalis in 19 (3.0%) patients, and multiplex PCR detected T. vaginalis in 12 (1.9%) patients. Testing via PCR demonstrated high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for T. vaginalis. Among the 19 women who tested positive for T. vaginalis according to PCR, 94.7% (18/19) reported vaginal signs and symptoms. Notably, more than 50% of T. vaginalis infections occurred in females younger than 30 years old, and 58% were unmarried. Multiplex PCR, which simultaneously detects pathogens from various sexually transmitted infections, revealed that 91.7% (11/12) of patients were infected with 2 or more pathogens. Mycoplasma hominis was the most prevalent co-infection pathogen with T. vaginalis, followed by Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis. Our results indicate that PCR and multiplex PCR are the most sensitive tools for T. vaginalis diagnosis, rather than microscopy which has been routinely used to detect T. vaginalis infections in South Korea. Therefore, clinicians should take note of the high prevalence of T. vaginalis infections among adolescent and young women in order to prevent persistent infection and transmission of this disease.

Distribution of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida in clinical samples and their intrinsic biofilm production status

Background: Candida species, mainly Candida albicans are traditionally associated with severe and debilitating diseases especially in immunocompromised hosts. Biofilm is emerging virulence factor in fungi and has been correlated with pathogenicity among Candida species. The emergence of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida (NAC) species producing biofilms and severe or recurrent infections in hospitalized patients with its attendant treatment failure and poor prognosis has become a great concern globally. Objective: To determine the species distribution of Candida organisms (C. albicans and NAC) from clinical samples and their pathogenic ability to produce biofilms; and to highlight the clinical implications of these extracellular substances to aid preventive measures, chemotherapy, and prognosis. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, and was carried out at SRM MCH & SR, Tamil Nadu, India. Between February 2014 and January 2015, a total of 90 Candida fungal isolates recovered from clinical samples including urine, pus, vaginal swab, skin scrapping, sputum, and blood were analyzed. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with gentamycin. Candida organisms were identified by standard methods. Germ tube rapid test was used to differentiate C. albicans and Candida dublinieses from other Candida species. Further speciation of the isolates was carried out by culture on CHROM agar and Corn meal-Tween 80 agar, including sugar fermentation and assimilation tests. Biofilm production was detected using Congo red method. Results were analyzed statistically. Result: A total of 90 Candida organisms were recovered from clinical specimens of which 33 (36.7%) were C. albicans and 57(63.3%) were NAC species. Majority of the isolates were recovered from urine (42, 46.7%), vaginal swab (20, 22.2%), and pus (11, 12.2%) samples. Among NAC species, the most common isolate was C. tropicalis (23, 25.6%) followed by C. parapsilosis (15, 16.7%). Of the 90 Candida species analyzed, 26 (28.9%) gave positive results for biofilm production. Overall, biofilm formation was detected more frequently among NAC species (16, 61.5%) than in C. albicans (10, 38.5%). Among NAC species, C. tropicalis (12, 46.2%) produced biofilm most frequently than other members of the group. Although, most of the Candida isolates strongly producing biofilms were members of NAC species particularly C. tropicalis (3, 50%), nonetheless, majority of the weakly biofilm producers were also detected among the strains of C. tropicalis (9, 45%). Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows a notable shift in the pathogenic incidence of Candida species from C. albicans to NAC species with significant rate of pathogenic biofilm production. Biofilm production was most common in C. tropicalis than other members of NAC species whereas slime formation was not detected in C. glabrata species. There is need to create awareness among the populace and stakeholders on healthcare system management about this emerging scenario in Candida species pathogenicity, biofilm production, and clinical repercussions for appropriate measures to checkmate the trend.

“Comparative evaluation of Sexually Transmitted and Non Sexually Transmitted, Reproductive tract infection at tertiary care centre in western Rajasthan, India”

Introduction: Reproductive Tract infections among women of reproductive age group {including both sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) & Non STI} are responsible for major ill health and have important concern as these are associated with risk of HIV Transmission & complications like Pelvic inflammatory Disease (PID), Infertility etc. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of microorganism & their antibiogram & their association with socio demographic profile & menstrual hygiene. Methods: This was a cross sectional study included 200 women with discharge of 15-44 year age. Detail history was taken about their socio demographic data, Symptoms & menstrual hygiene; vaginal or endo cervical swab & blood sample (for serological diagnosis of syphilis) were collected. Results: Among STI most common infection is Candidiasis (45.6%) & Bacterial Vaginosis (27.8%) whereas among Non STI Esch. coli (27.3%) & Staph. aureus (26.4%). Among STI most common symptom was lower abdominal Pain & Lower backache whereas in Non-STI Vulvular itching & fever. Both STI & Non STI shows statically significant positive association with Labourer population & who uses cloth during their menstrual period whereas STI also shows statically significant positive association with younger, lower education & lower socio economic status population. Staph. aureus highly sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin whereas Esch.coli was most common gram negative bacteria & highly sensitive to imipenem & piperacillin-tazobactum. Conclusions: To conclude, by proper assessment of Prevalence & risk factor of STI and Non STI & by health education, we can reduce these infection & antibiotic resistance by prudent use of antibiotics. Key Words: Reproductive tract infection, STI, Non-STI