Genital Tract Infections in Women, Pregnancy and Neonates.

Treatable genital tract infections in women are common and most are transmitted via sexual contact with the potential for vertical transmission during pregnancy. Adverse infection outcomes include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, preterm delivery, and congenital or neonatal infection. Highly sensitive molecular diagnostic testing for genital tract infections is now recommended in many countries. Unfortunately, this testing is not yet widely available in low- and middle-income countries because of cost. Improved access to early diagnosis and treatment for curable genital tract infections is critical to improving women's health and reaching global STI elimination targets by 2030.

Bacterial infection of the male reproductive system causing infertility.

Bacterial infections play a disruptive and hidden role in male reproductive failure. Different kinds of bacteria are often able to interfere with reproductive function in both sexes and lead to infertility. In this study, to further evaluate the role of bacterial infections in male reproduction we provided an extensive overview of so far researches investigating the effects of bacterial infections on male fertility. We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases to identify the potentially relevant studies on bacterial infections and their implications in male infertility. All the bacteria included in this article have negative effects on the male reproductive function; however, there is ample evidence to blame bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus aureus for reduced fertility and deterioration of sperm parameters. More studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms by which different bacteria exert their detrimental effects on male reproductive system. Getting more insight into probable mechanisms, would significantly facilitate the production of new, advanced, and effective remedies in the future. In view of all evidence, we strongly suggest increasing awareness among people and considering screening programs for patients seeking fertility both to avoid transmission and to improve fertility outcomes among them.

Best practices for safe use of SGLT-2 inhibitors developed from an expert panel Delphi consensus process.

PURPOSE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have demonstrated glycemic efficacy and cardiovascular and renal benefits in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, they are also associated with serious adverse events (AEs), but little consensus exists for clinicians regarding AE management. This study aimed to develop a list of best practices for the safe use and monitoring of SGLT-2 inhibitors in people with T2DM. METHODS: A 15-member interprofessional panel was surveyed in a four-round Delphi process. Panelists were asked to comment on and rank statements regarding initial prescribing considerations and actions for minimizing and managing eight specific AEs and a broad category for other AEs. In the final round, panelists selected if the statements should be considered a best practice specific to SGLT-2 inhibitors, a best practice for general safe medication use in T2DM, or if the statement should not be considered as a best practice for safe medication use. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved for 36 best practice statements specific to SGLT-2 inhibitors and 24 statements as general best practices for safe medication use. Fifty-six percent of the best practice statements for SGLT-2 inhibitors related to managing and/or preventing hypotension, urinary tract infections, and genital infections. The general best practices for safe medication use primarily focused on medication histories, past medical history considerations, physical exam components, and patient education. CONCLUSION: A list of best practice statements was developed using the Delphi method, which can be utilized by clinicians to guide the safe use and monitoring of SGLT-2 inhibitors in people with T2DM.

Services for women's sexual and reproductive health in India: an analysis of treatment-seeking for symptoms of reproductive tract infections in a nationally representative survey.

BACKGROUND: Women's health policy in India has had a longstanding focus on maternal health and family planning. Recent policy highlights the importance of expanding women's access to a broader range of sexual and reproductive health services. However, there has been very limited analysis of national survey data to examine the current status of treatment utilisation, variation across states and progress over time. METHODS: This paper examines women's treatment patterns for reproductive tract infections in India, based on data collected in the National Family Health Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey conducted between 2015-16. The survey covered 699,686 women between the ages 15 and 49, of which 91,818 ever sexually active women responded to questions related to symptoms of reproductive tract infections. We estimate prevalence of reported symptoms and treatment-seeking, describe regional variation and utilise multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with women's treatment-seeking patterns. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of women who reported symptoms of reproductive tract infections sought any advice or treatment. Women's reported treatment-seeking in India has not changed since the last national survey a decade earlier. Reported symptoms and treatment-seeking varied widely across India, ranging from 64% in Punjab to 8% in Nagaland, with no clear regional pattern that emerged. Seventeen percent of symptomatic women sought services in the public sector, an improvement from 11% in 2005-06. Twenty-two percent utilised the private sector, with wide variation by states. National-level multivariable logistic regression indicated that treatment-seeking was associated with age, higher education, higher household wealth and having been employed in the past year. Women in the 25-35 age group had higher odds (aOR1.27; 95% CI: 1.10,1.50) of seeking treatment compared to both younger (15-19 years) and older (35 years and above) women, along with women with more than eight years of schooling (aOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05,1.44) and from richer wealth quintiles (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.35,1.83). CONCLUSION: Women's use of services for reproductive tract infections remains a challenge in most parts of India. Our findings highlight the need to address barriers to seeking care and to improve measurement of gynaecological ailments in national surveys.

Reproductive tract diseases in female backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) - diagnostic imaging and final outcome during a decade.

OBJECTIVE: Female reproductive tract disorders are common conditions of backyard poultry with an increasing demand for individual veterinary care. However, only limited case reports are available on diagnostic workup and outcomes of individual cases. This study aims at giving an overview of usually presented reproductive tract disorders, comparing diagnostic imaging findings with final diagnoses, and summarizing the outcome of the respective diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The digital medical records archive of the University for Veterinary Medicine in Vienna was searched for chickens that were finally diagnosed with diseases of the reproductive tract, including all patients from May 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2019. Information such as patient age, medical history, results of diagnostic imaging, final confirmed diagnosis, outcome, surgical protocol and necropsy findings was extracted. RESULTS: Finally confirmed reproductive tract diseases were found in 57 of 315 female chickens. The most common conditions were egg-related coelomitis along with salpingitis or impacted salpinx (25/57), followed by ovarian or oviductal neoplasia (17/57). Clinical findings were unspecific in the majority of cases, but most conspicuous were chickens presented with a distended coelomic cavity and apathy. Coelomic ultrasonography as well as computed tomography proved to be valuable tools for distinguishing between the respective conditions. However, ultrasonography alone mainly failed (10/11) to differentiate between ovary or oviductal neoplasia and egg-related coelomitis with salpingitis or impacted salpinx, respectively. Computed tomography was perceived as a superior tool for final diagnosis. In total 6/6 CT-scans correctly made a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis was only possible after celiotomy with the necessity of consecutive surgery for most of the reported cases. As an overall outcome 34 of 57 patients were either euthanised or died, whereas only 23 chickens could be successfully treated and discharged. Several hens were reported to be doing well at home, according to regular check-up procedures within 4 years post-surgery. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diagnostic work-up and treatment of hens with reproductive tract diseases can be challenging. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging provide important information, still celiotomy is often required for final diagnosis. The condition of the chickens is usually serious. Within our study, 40 % of the hens could be treated successfully. Therefore, a realistic assessment of each individual case and clarification for the owners are important.

Pre-conception management.

This communication shares two frameworks which help conceptualize the vast spectrum of pre-conception care. A 3x3 rubric classifies pre-conception assessment and interventions into gynaeco-obstetric, biomedical and psychosocial. Yet another creative checklist uses the letters A through I to present 9 aspects of pre-conception management. The aim of this article is to simplify the vast field of pre-conception care for primary care physicians and other health care professionals.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of acute pelvic pain in female patients hospitalized in the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital]. / Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des algies pelviennes aiguës de la femme à l'Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé (HGOPY).

INTRODUCTION: Acute pelvic pain is an important cause of morbi-mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of acute pelvic pain in Yaoundé. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study with collection of prospective data in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital over the period 1st April-31st July 2015. We included all female subjects admitted for pelvic pain whose course was less than one month and who agreed to participate in the study. All women who were in the third trimester of pregnancy or in the post-partum period were excluded. Epi info software, version 3.5.4 was used to analyze data. Data were shown as frequency and percentage. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 5915 women presented to the Yaoundé Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, of whom 125 (2.11%) had acute pelvic pain. The average age of patients was 29.5 ± 6.9 years. Pain was caused by upper genital tract infections (36.8%) and ectopic pregnancy (18.4%). Most patients received medical treatment (92.8%), associated with antibiotics in 65.5% of cases, anti-inflammatory drugs in 56.9% of cases and analgesics in 39.7% of cases. Surgery was performed in 25 (20%) patients via laparotomy (80%) and coelioscopy (20%). Surgery was indicated in patients with ectopic pregnancy (76% of cases). Regression of pain was obtained in 99% of cases. CONCLUSION: Acute pelvic pain mainly affected young women with upper genital tract infections and ectopic pregnancy. In the case of ectopic pregnancy surgical treatment via laparotomy was the gold standard treatment.

Pediatric Genitourinary Infections and Other Considerations.

Pediatric patients pose a unique host of challenges to the emergency provider across all complaints and ages, but this is particularly notable in the genitourinary (GU) system. The pediatric GU system is different from that of the adult in its etiology of symptoms, complications, and treatments. Based on age, there are variations in the anatomy. These differences result in symptoms and diagnoses that must be managed differently. Although in many respects management is similar to GU emergency conditions in adults, there are, occasionally subtle, differences between the care of children and adults, which can greatly impact outcomes.

Providing lipid-based nutrient supplement during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of maternal P falciparum parasitaemia and reproductive tract infections: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Maternal infections are associated with maternal and foetal adverse outcomes. Nutrient supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the occurrence of infections by improving maternal immunity. We aimed to investigate the impact of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) on the occurrence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia during pregnancy and trichomoniasis, vaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infection (UTI) after delivery. METHODS: Pregnant Malawian women enrolled in the iLiNS-DYAD trial receiving daily supplementation with SQ-LNS, multiple micronutrients (MMN) or iron & folic acid (IFA) from <20 gestation weeks (gw) were assessed for P. falciparum parasitaemia at 32 gw using rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), at 36 gw using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and at delivery using both RDT and PCR; and at one week after delivery for trichomoniasis and vaginal candidiasis using wet mount microscopy and for UTI using urine dipstick analysis. The prevalence of each infection by intervention group was estimated at the prescribed time points and the global null hypothesis was tested using logistic regression. Adjusted analyses were performed using preselected covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of P. falciparum parasitaemia was 10.7% at 32 gw, 9% at 36 gw, and 8.3% by RDT and 20.2% by PCR at delivery. After delivery the prevalence of trichomoniasis was 10.5%, vaginal candidiasis was 0.5%, and UTI was 3.1%. There were no differences between intervention groups in the prevalence of any of the infections. CONCLUSION: In this population, SQ-LNS did not influence the occurrence of maternal P. falciparum parasitaemia, trichomoniasis, vaginal candidiasis or UTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier: NCT01239693 (10 November 2010).

Abdominal Septic Shock - Endotoxin Adsorption Treatment (ASSET) - endotoxin removal in abdominal and urogenital septic shock with the Alteco® LPS Adsorber: study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Severe sepsis and septic shock are common in intensive care and carry high mortality rates. In patients with Gram-negative infections, early and extensive removal of endotoxin may limit the inflammatory response that characterizes septic shock. The Alteco® LPS Adsorber (hereafter referred to cited as the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Adsorber) can be used for endotoxin removal and attenuate the deleterious inflammatory and clinical responses seen in septic shock. METHODS/DESIGN: The Abdominal Septic Shock - Endotoxin Adsorption Treatment (ASSET) trial is a pilot study investigating the feasibility and safety of LPS Adsorber therapy. This pilot, multicenter, stratified, parallel, double-blinded, randomized, phase IIa, feasibility clinical investigation will be performed in five Scandinavian intensive care units. Thirty-two subjects with early septic shock and organ failure, following adequate resuscitation, will be randomized to receive either: extracorporeal veno-venous hemoperfusion therapy with the LPS Adsorber or veno-venous hemoperfusion therapy with a placebo adsorber (without active LPS-binding peptide). Patients will be stratified by infection focus such that 20 subjects with an abdominal focus (stratum A) and 12 subjects with a urogenital focus (stratum B) will be included in a parallel design. Thereafter, an interim analysis will be performed and an additional 12 patients may be included in the study. The study is designed as adaptive a priori: the patients from this study can be included in a later phase IIb study. The aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of LPS Adsorber therapy commenced early in the time-course of septic shock. The primary endpoint will be a characterization of all reported unanticipated serious adverse device effects and anticipated serious adverse device effects. Secondary outcomes are decrease in endotoxin plasma concentration, impact on clinical outcome measures and impact on inflammatory response by LPS Adsorber therapy, as well as detailed description of the relevant mediators bound to the LPS Adsorber. Recruitment of patients will start in September 2015. DISCUSSION: The ASSET trial will give insight into the feasibility and safety of this LPS Adsorber therapy and preliminary data on its potential clinical effects in septic shock. Moreover, this pilot trial will provide with necessary data for designing future studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02335723 . Registered on 28 November 2014.

Infección genital masculina por virus de papiloma humano / Male genital infection by human papiloma virus

El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual más comunes. Puede afectar tanto el aparato genital masculino y femenino, como también el área perianal, ano, y diversas áreas de cabeza y cuello y otorrinolaringológicas, ya sea como lesiones benignas o como promotor de lesiones malignas. Las lesiones benignas por VPH en genitales masculinos se caracterizan fundamentalmente por la aparición de lesiones verrugosas, aunque también puede manifestarse mediante lesiones planas atípicas. En algunos casos hay ausencia de lesiones macroscópicamente visibles que pueden hacerse evidentes con la prueba de ácido acético. La biopsia de la lesión, su evaluación anatomopatológica y, sobre todo, la determinación de la existencia y el tipo de virus involucrado mediante PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) permiten confirmar el diagnóstico. En algunas ocasiones es necesario realizar una cistoscopia para diagnosticar lesiones intrauretrales y vesicales. Los tratamientos propuestos son muy variados y de eficacia dispar, desde las topicaciones y la electrocirugía o la criocirugía, hasta el empleo de la tecnología láser. La prevención con el uso de protección durante el acto sexual así como la educación sexual son fundamentales. En los últimos 10 años se ha implementado el uso de la vacuna para el VPH en niñas con el fin de disminuir la incidencia de lesiones de alto grado y de cáncer de cuello uterino, pero su indicación en varones es menos clara y aún no ha sido consensuada. (AU)

Human papiloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexual transmitted diseases. It can affect the male genitalia, as well as the perianal and anal regions and multiple areas of the head and neck and otorhinolaryngological structures, as benign lesiones or as a promoter of malignant lesions. Benign male genitalia lesions are characterized mainly by verrucous lesions, although flat atypical lesions can be found, as well as the abscence of macroscopic visible lesions that in some cases can become evident using the acetic acid test. Lesion biopsy, its histological evaluation, and the determination of the existence and type of virus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can confirm the diagnosis. In some cases is necessary to do a cistoscopy to diagnose intraurethral and vesical lesions. Proposed treatments are varied and with a wide range of efficacy, from topications to electro or cryosurgery, and the use of laser technology. Sexual education and the use of sexual protection are essential in prevention. In the last 10 years the use of VPH vaccine in girls was widely spread, in order to decrease the incidence of high grade lesions and cervix cancer. Its indication in male patients is less clear and not yet consented among specialists. (AU)

Genitourinary Tract Infections.

Similarly to the general population, genitourinary tract infections are common conditions in theimmunocompromised host. They can be furthermore divided into infections of the urinary tract and genital tract infections. Transplant recipients are more likely to have infections of the urinary tract infections while persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk for the second group of infections, especially sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Manifestations of these diseases can be associated with more complications and can be more severe. We provide an overview of manifestations, diagnosis, and management of these disorders.

Diabetes and balanoposthitis.

This review describes the association of balanoposthitis with diabetes. It reviews the multifaceted relationship of both conditions, and summarizes the etiology, clinical features and treatment options for this condition. The commonest etiology of balanoposthitis in males with diabetes is Candida, and the mainstay of treatment is maintenance of hygiene, euglycaemia, and eradication of infection. The review sensitizes diabetes care providers to take a history and perform a physical examination in persons with penile symptoms, and also encourages dermatology care providers to screen for diabetes in such persons.

Intermittent catheterization in neurologic patients: Update on genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma.

Intermittent catheterization is considered the standard of care in most neurologic patients with lower urinary tract disorders. However, in this context, genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma represent specific challenges. Such conditions have been found to significantly deteriorate quality of life and complicate subsequent treatments. Only optimal prevention associated with appropriate treatment allows for the long-term continuation of such bladder management. Here, we discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic and preventive approaches associated with genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma in this specific population. This "state-of-the-art" article results from a literature review (MEDLINE articles and scientific society guidelines) and the authors' experience. It was structured in a didactic way to facilitate comprehension and promote the implementation of advice and recommendations in daily practice. Genitourinary tract infection and urethral trauma associated with intermittent catheterization in neurologic patients should be managed with a global approach, including patient and caregiver education, optimal catheterization with hydrophilic-coated or pre-lubricated catheters and adequate use of antibiotic therapy.

Coronaviruses and the human airway: a universal system for virus-host interaction studies.

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are large RNA viruses that infect the human respiratory tract. The emergence of both Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory syndrome CoVs as well as the yearly circulation of four common CoVs highlights the importance of elucidating the different mechanisms employed by these viruses to evade the host immune response, determine their tropism and identify antiviral compounds. Various animal models have been established to investigate HCoV infection, including mice and non-human primates. To establish a link between the research conducted in animal models and humans, an organotypic human airway culture system, that recapitulates the human airway epithelium, has been developed. Currently, different cell culture systems are available to recapitulate the human airways, including the Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) human airway epithelium (HAE) model. Tracheobronchial HAE cultures recapitulate the primary entry point of human respiratory viruses while the alveolar model allows for elucidation of mechanisms involved in viral infection and pathogenesis in the alveoli. These organotypic human airway cultures represent a universal platform to study respiratory virus-host interaction by offering more detailed insights compared to cell lines. Additionally, the epidemic potential of this virus family highlights the need for both vaccines and antivirals. No commercial vaccine is available but various effective antivirals have been identified, some with potential for human treatment. These morphological airway cultures are also well suited for the identification of antivirals, evaluation of compound toxicity and viral inhibition.

Human papillomavirus-related basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder associated with genital tract human papillomavirus infection.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a biologically aggressive neoplasm mainly found in the head and neck region. Recently, four cases of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder have been reported, and three of them occurred in patients with neurogenic bladder, repeated catheterizations and human papillomavirus infection of the urinary tract. To the best of our knowledge, none of the patients affected by basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder described in the literature had documented genital involvement by human papillomavirus. Herein, we describe the case of a woman with neurogenic bladder affected by basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder and by a concomitant genital tract human papillomavirus infection.

[The influence of ultrasonic radiation on the factors of antimicrobial resistance in the women of reproductive age presenting with mycoplasma infection of the urogenital tract].

The present clinical immunological study included 90 women of reproductive age presenting with mycoplasma infection of the lower urogenital tract. Low-frequency ultrasonic radiation was shown to successfully correct the disbalance in the system of congenital immunity that manifested itself as marked dysfunction of neutrophil granulocytes. The local application of low-frequency ultrasonic radiation normalized concentration of neutrophil defensins in cervical secretion as well as the number and function of neutrophils themselves.

Treatment-seeking for symptoms of reproductive tract infections among young women in India.

CONTEXT: Small proportions of Indian women report seeking treatment for symptoms suggestive of reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Most studies on treatment-seeking have focused broadly on women of reproductive age, and little is known about the experiences of adolescent girls and young women, particularly the unmarried. METHODS: Data from 2,742 married and 2,108 unmarried women aged 15-24 who reported at least one symptom of an RTI in the past three months were drawn from a subnationally representative survey of youth in India in 2006-2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associations between respondents' characteristics and treatment-seeking from a formal medical provider. In addition, among those who had used such providers, associations between characteristics and use of private rather than public providers were identified. RESULTS: About two-fifths of married and one-third of unmarried women had sought treatment from formal medical providers for their RTI symptoms. While married women's experience of intimate partner violence was negatively associated with seeking treatment from a formal provider (odds ratio, 0.8), their perceived access to sexual and reproductive health services and their awareness of STI symptoms were positively associated with such treatment (1.3-1.4). Both married and unmarried women were more likely to seek treatment from private than from public providers, and two indicators of women's autonomy were positively correlated with using private providers (1.6-2.8). CONCLUSIONS: Limited treatment-seeking for RTI symptoms by young women underscores the need to address power imbalances within marriage and to encourage health care providers to develop appropriate strategies to reach younger, as well as unmarried, women.