Emphysematous vaginitis in a gravid woman.

A primigravida in her late 20s presented to the obstetrics and gynaecology department in labour. On per speculum examination, multiple cystic lesions, 1-5 mm in size were observed occupying the anterior, posterior and lateral vaginal walls. Vaginal wet mount was normal and vaginal cultures were negative. Biopsy findings were consistent with emphysematous vaginitis. Vaginitis emphysematosa is a rare, benign self-limiting condition that presents with multiple, air-filled cysts in the vaginal or ectocervical mucosa. This condition is seen in both gravid and non gravid women, usually associated with a Trichomonas or Gardnerella infection.

Necrotizing Vaginitis in a 45-Year-Old Woman With Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Vaginitis emphysematosa (VE) is a rare, benign, and self-limited condition often diagnosed by the presence of intramuscular vaginal air observed on computed tomography (CT) scan. Although it is a nonpathologic, self-limited condition requiring no intervention, it is important to rule out a more serious infectious pathology. This report highlights a clinical dilemma and the potential consequences of over-reliance on CT in distinguishing benign VE from pathologic necrotizing vaginitis. A high clinical suspicion for infection should be maintained, especially when relevant clinical and laboratory markers suggest a more serious pathology. We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented to the hospital with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. CT scan demonstrated intramuscular vaginal air, which was reported as VE. Classic imaging findings of VE falsely reassured clinicians. She died shortly thereafter of necrotizing vaginitis.

Expanded Histopathology and Tropism of Ebola Virus in the Rhesus Macaque Model: Potential for Sexual Transmission, Altered Adrenomedullary Hormone Production, and Early Viral Replication in Liver.

The pathogenesis of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is still incomplete, in spite of the availability of a nonhuman primate modelfor more than 4 decades. To further investigate EVD pathogenesis, a natural history study was conducted using 27 Chinese-origin rhesus macaques. Of these, 24 macaques were exposed intramuscularly to Kikwit Ebola virus and euthanized at predetermined time points or when end-stage clinical disease criteria were met, and 3 sham-exposed macaques were euthanized on study day 0. This study showed for the first time that Ebola virus causes uterine cervicitis, vaginitis, posthitis, and medullary adrenalitis. Not only was Ebola virus detected in the interstitial stromal cells of the genital tract, but it was also present in the epididymal and seminal vesicular tubular epithelial cells, ectocervical and vaginal squamous epithelial cells, and seminal fluid. Furthermore, as early as day 3 after exposure, Ebola virus replicative intermediate RNA was detected in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. These findings in the nonhuman model provide additional insight into potential sexual transmission, possible disruption of sympathetic hormone production, and early virus replication sites in human EVD patients.

The apparition macrophage and Döderlein bacillus is negatively correlated in class I Papanicolaou smear: A morphological examination.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific vaginitis, also known as Bacterial vaginosis, unlike genital candidiasis and trichomoniasis, is caused by microbiome breakdown. Döderlein's bacillus are gram-positive bacillus that form a microbiome, reproduce in the female vagina after gaining sexual maturity, secrete lactic acid, and prevent the growth of other vaginitis-causing bacteria. Clue cell are squamous epithelial cells with Gardnerella sp. attached to their cell surface. The presence of clue cell is one of the diagnostic criteria for nonspecific vaginitis. Additionally, although macrophages are reported to protect against candidal vaginitis, there are no reports of studies examining the association between macrophages and clue cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After re-staining 300 class I specimens by cervical cancer screening with Papanicolaou staining, the appearance of Döderlein's bacillus, macrophages, and clue cell was observed. RESULT: Age group and appearance of Döderlein's bacillus were negatively correlated. The rate of appearance of macrophages was positively correlated with the age group. In people aged 50 years or more, the appearance rate of clue cells was significantly lower in the macrophage appearance group than that in the non-appearance group. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that macrophages, and not Döderlein's bacillus, may play an important role in defense against nonspecific vaginitis.

[Diagnosis of vaginal discharge].

Changes in vaginal discharge are often caused by imbalance in the vaginal microflora, and laboratory testing is usually of little use, as most microbes detected are commensals. In-office diagnosis in general practice using wet mount microscopy and Amsel criteria is helpful and often sufficient to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment. Laboratory testing of vaginal discharge should only be performed, if sexually transmitted disease is suspected, if there is treatment failure or inconclusive wet mount prior to gynaecological surgery, and in pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage or preterm birth.

Atypical Squamous Cells in Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology: Microbiology, Inflammatory Infiltrate, and Human Papillomavirus-DNA Testing.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between atypical squamous cells (ASC) and inflammatory infiltrate and vaginal microbiota using cervical liquid-based cytological (SurePath®) and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) tests. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 6-year database from a laboratory in Fortaleza (Brazil). Files from 1,346 ASC cases were divided into subgroups and results concerning inflammation and vaginal microorganisms diagnosed by cytology were compared with HR-HPV test results. RESULTS: An absence of specific microorganisms (ASM) was the most frequent finding (ASC of undetermined significance, ASC-US = 74%; ASC - cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, ASC-H = 68%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (ASC-US = 20%; ASC- H = 25%) and Candida spp. (ASC-US = 6%; ASC-H = 5%). Leukocyte infiltrate was present in 71% of ASC-US and 85% of ASC-H (p = 0.0040), and in these specific cases HR-HPV tests were positive for 65 and 64%, respectively. A positive HR-HPV test was relatively more frequent when a specific microorganism was present, and Candida spp. was associated with HR-HPV-positive results (p = 0.0156), while an ASM was associated with negative HR-HPV results (p = 0.0370). CONCLUSION: ASC-US is associated with an absence of inflammation or vaginosis, while ASC-H smears are associated with Trichomonas vaginalis and inflammatory infiltrate. A positive HR-HPV is associated with Candida spp. in ASC cytology.

Triple combination MPT vaginal microbicide using curcumin and efavirenz loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles.

We report that a combination of anti-HIV-1 drug efavirenz (EFV), anti-microbial-spermicidal curcumin (Cur) and lactoferrin nanoparticles (ECNPs) act as MPT formulation. These nanoparticles are of well dispersed spherical shape with 40-70 nm size, with encapsulation efficiency of 63 ± 1.9% of Cur &61.5% ± 1.6 of EFV, significantly higher than that of single drug nanoparticles (Cur, 59 ± 1.34%; EFV: 58.4 ± 1.79). ECNPs were found to be sensitive at pH 5 and 6 and have not effected viability of vaginal micro-flora, Lactobacillus. Studies in rats showed that ECNPs delivers 88-124% more drugs in vaginal lavage as compared to its soluble form, either as single or combination of EFV and Cur. The ECNPs also shows 1.39-4.73 fold lower concentration of absorption in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Furthermore, ECNPs show significant reduction in inflammatory responses by 1.6-3.0 fold in terms of IL-6 and TNF-α in vaginal tissue and plasma compared to soluble EFV + Cur. ECNPs showed improved pharmacokinetics profiles in vaginal lavage with more than 50% of enhancement in AUC, AUMC, Cmax and t1/2 suggesting longer exposure of Cur and EFV in vaginal lavage compared to soluble EFV + Cur. Histopathological analysis of vaginal tissue shows remarkably lower toxicity of ECNPs compared to soluble EFV + Cur. In conclusion, ECNPs are significantly safe and exhibit higher bioavailability thus constitute an effective MPT against HIV.

Morphological spectrum of neovaginitis in autologous sigmoid transplant patients.

AIMS: Autologous intestinal grafts are used to (re)create a vagina in selected patients. The risk of diversion colitis is mentioned as a disadvantage, although its prevalence remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the histopathological characteristics of the sigmoid-derived neovaginal epithelial lining after diverting surgery and correlate these with clinical findings. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biopsy specimens were obtained from the epithelial lining of the sigmoid-derived neovagina and remaining rectosigmoid as regular follow-up from 26 patients with a median age of 22 years (range 19-52) and median postoperative follow-up of 13 months (range 6-52). Medical history, neovaginal symptoms and sexual activity were documented. An experienced gastrointestinal histopathologist assessed the specimens using a descriptive item-score, comprising signs of chronic and active inflammation. Inflammatory changes were observed in 21 (80.7%) neovaginal and one (3.8%) rectosigmoid specimens. The neovaginal appearance was characterized by an increase of lymphoid aggregates and lymphoplasmacellular infiltrate. Other common features were the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and Paneth cell metaplasia. Neovaginal discharge was correlated with the presence of inflammatory changes (P = 0.008, Spearman's rho = 0.506). DISCUSSION: Acute and chronic inflammation of the sigmoid-derived neovagina was commonly observed and consistent with a proposed diagnosis of diversion neovaginitis. Neovaginal discharge correlates with this histopathological entity.

Papanicolaou smear findings in solid-organ transplant recipients compared with normal subjects according to the Bethesda 2001 system.

OBJECTIVES: Solid-organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing cancer including cervical cancer compared with woman in the general population, mostly due to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The Papanicolaou smear remains the primary method of screening cervical pathology including preinvasive and invasive lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate Pap smear findings in solid-organ transplant recipients, determine the prevalence of abnormal smears, and compare these patients with the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 111 women patients who received liver or kidney transplant between January 1990 to December 2012 at Baskent University Ankara Hospital. Pap smear findings were compared with normal control patients matched for same age and technical procedure of cervical cytology. To selection of control patients, propensity score matching program was performed. All Pap smears were re-examined according to Bethesda 2001 criteria. RESULTS: In 111 transplant patients, 2 patients (1.8%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 8 patients (7.2%) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 15 patients (13.5%) had Candida infection, 2 patients (1.8%) had Trichomonas vaginalis, 1 patient (0.9%) had herpes simplex infection, 13 patients (11.7%) had bacterial vaginosis, 15 patients (13.5%) had reactive changes due to inflammation, and 18 patients (16.2%) had atrophy. When we compared our results with the control group, there were statistically significant differences (P ≤ .05) between the 2 groups in epithelial cell abnormalities (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), Candida infection, bacterial vaginosis, and atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Pap smear screening potentially may help recognize cervical preinvasive and invasive lesions. The risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is greater in transplant recipients because of immunosuppressive therapy. The incidence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was significantly greater in transplant recipients than the general population. Intensive follow-up with Pap smear in transplant recipients is important in the early detection of these lesions.

Emphysematous vaginitis.

BACKGROUND: Emphysematous vaginitis is a rare condition, characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts in the vaginal and/or exocervical mucosa. Although its etiology is not completely understood, it is self-limited, with a benign clinical course. Vaginal discharge, sometimes bloody, and pruritus are the most common symptoms. Chronic and acute inflammation can be found, and diseases that impair the immune system and pregnancy have been associated with this condition. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old postmenopausal woman, with a history of hysterectomy with several comorbidities, presented with a 4-month history of bloody discharge and vulvar pruritus. Examination showed multiple cystic lesions, 1 to 5 mm, occupying the posterior and right lateral vaginal walls. Speculum examination produced crepitus. Vaginal wet mount was normal, except for diminished lactobacilli; results of Trichomonas vaginalis DNA test and vaginal cultures were negative. Lugol's iodine applied to the vagina was taken up by the intact lesions. Biopsy result showed typical features of emphysematous vaginitis. CONCLUSIONS: This is an unusual entity, presenting with common gynecological complaints, and both physicians and pathologists should be aware to prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Toward early safety alert endpoints: exploring biomarkers suggestive of microbicide failure.

Several microbicides, including nonoxynol-9 (N-9) and cellulose sulfate (CS), looked promising during early trials but failed in efficacy trials. We aimed to identify Phase I mucosal safety endpoints that might explain that failure. In a blinded, randomized, parallel trial, 60 healthy premenopausal sexually abstinent women applied Universal HEC placebo, 6% CS or 4% N-9 gel twice daily for 13½ days. Endpoints included immune biomarkers in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and endocervical cytobrushes, inflammatory infiltrates in vaginal biopsies, epithelial integrity by naked eye, colposcopy, and histology, CVL anti-HIV activity, vaginal microflora, pH, and adverse events. Twenty women enrolled per group. Soluble/cellular markers were similar with CS and placebo, except secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) levels decreased in CVL, and CD3(+) and CD45(+) cells increased in biopsies after CS use. Increases in interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1, IL-1RA, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and decreases in SLPI were significant with N-9. CVL anti-HIV activity was significantly higher during CS use compared to N-9 or placebo. CS users tended to have a higher prevalence of intermediate Nugent score, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus and fewer gram-negative rods. Most Nugent scores diagnostic for bacterial vaginosis were in N-9 users. All cases of histological inflammation or deep epithelial disruption occurred in N-9 users. While the surfactant N-9 showed obvious biochemical and histological signs of inflammation, more subtle changes, including depression of SLPI, tissue influx of CD45(+) and CD3(+) cells, and subclinical microflora shifts were associated with CS use and may help to explain the clinical failure of nonsurfactant microbicides.

Plasma cell mucositis of the vagina: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell mucositis is a rare dermatologic condition known to affect the upper aerodigestive tract and external genitalia but has never yet been described to affect the vaginal epithelium. CASE: A 57-year-old woman presented to the urogynecology clinic with chief complaint of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal spotting. Examination of the pelvis revealed grade 2 pelvic organ prolapse and diffuse multifocal erythematous patches on the vaginal introitus, vagina, cervix, and periurethra. Histopathologic examination of biopsies revealed plasma cell mucositis. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of plasma cell mucositis affecting vaginal epithelium. It is possible that pelvic organ prolapse caused irritation and inflammation of vaginal epithelium and contributed to the development of plasma cell mucositis in these areas.

Alpha and gamma herpesvirus detection in two herds of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand.

CASE HISTORY: In September 2004 two hinds on Farm 1 were observed with epiphora and keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal scarring. A low pregnancy rate in some hinds had been recorded that year. In the same year six yearling deer were observed on Farm 2 with keratitis, uveitis and corneal scarring. CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: On Farm 1, conjunctival swabs and blood samples were collected from the hinds with ocular lesions, and from 24 other hinds. The two affected hinds were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone for 7 days. Conjunctival, nasal and vaginal swabs were collected daily before euthanasia and necropsy on the eighth day. Subsequently, another five non-pregnant hinds were similarly immunosuppressed and necropsied, and the reproductive tracts of 20 non-pregnant hinds were collected following slaughter. Semen samples were collected from four stags implicated with reproductive failure. On Farm 2, conjunctival swabs were collected from six hinds with ocular lesions and from 14 unaffected deer. Viral culture, consensus primer PCR and sequencing for specific herpesviruses was carried out on conjunctival swabs, buffy coat from blood samples, semen and reproductive tracts. Necropsy samples were also examined using gross pathology and histopathology. On Farm 1, a type 2 rhadinovirus (CvRhV) was detected in the conjunctiva of one hind with keratoconjunctivitis using PCR. Following immunosuppression, gross vesicular and histological vaginal lesions typical of infection with alphaherpesvirus were observed in samples of vaginal tissue from the same hind. Buffy coat, vaginal and lumbar spinal nervous tissues were also positive for cervid herpesvirus 1 (CvHV-1) using PCR. Herpesviruses were not detected in reproductive tracts, ocular or semen samples of the other deer. CvRhV was detected in buffy coats from four other hinds and in a conjunctival swab from one hind, all without ocular lesions, using PCR. On Farm 2, conjunctival swabs from two deer with keratitis were culture positive for CvHV-1. Two culture-negative conjunctival samples from deer without ocular lesions were positive for CvHV-1 by PCR. In two other affected animals, presence of CvRhV was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. DIAGNOSIS: Infection with CvHV-1 associated with keratitis and vulvovaginitis, and CvRhV infection in deer with and without ocular lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CvHV-1 is a likely cause of keratoconjunctivitis and possibly reproductive tract pathology in deer. Investigation of ocular lesions and reproductive failure in farmed deer should include CvRhV and CvHV-1.

Melanosis of the vagina and human papillomavirus infection, an uncommon pathology: case report.

Benign melanotic lesions of the vagina are uncommon and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. A 34-year-old woman was referred because of a Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 1 biopsy result. On the gynecological examination, two different hyperpigmented areas were noted in the vagina. The colposcopic visualization of the cervix and vagina found an aceto-white lesion at the right lateral wall of the upper third of the vagina. Biopsies from three areas were taken. Histological study reported a melanosis of the vagina and HPV infection. An immunohistochemical panel of epithelial markers was performed in vaginal samples, such as Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and epithelial membrane antigen, mesenchymal marker: vimentin; melanocytic makers: protein S-100 and HMB45 (Human Melanoma Black); proliferating cell marker: proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and P-53 oncoprotein. High Risk (16, 18, 31, 45) and Low Risk (6, 11) HPV types were studied by In Situ Hybridization using the same vaginal samples. CK, EMA and Vimentin were 2+. Melanocytic markers, HMB45 and S100, and PCNA were 1+ in basal cell layer. P-53 was negative. The melanotic tissue and acetowhite lesion were positives to HPV Types 6,11. In conclusion, melanosis of the vagina is a uncommon benign pathology. Usually, melanosis is present in women over 40 years old. We present a case of melanosis of the vagina in a young woman infected with low-risk HPV types and review the literature.

Melanosis of the vagina and human papillomavirus infection, an uncommon pathology: Case Report / Melanosis de la vagina e infección por virus del papiloma humano, una patología poco común: Reporte de un Caso

Benign melanotic lesions of the vagina are uncommon and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. A 34-year-old woman was referred because of a Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 1 biopsy result. On the gynecological examination, two different hyperpigmented areas were noted in the vagina. The colposcopic visualization of the cervix and vagina found an aceto-white lesion at the right lateral wall of the upper third of the vagina. Biopsies from three areas were taken. Histological study reported a melanosis of the vagina and HPV infection. An immunohistochemical panel of epithelial markers was performed in vaginal samples, such as Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and epithelial membrane antigen, mesenchymal marker: vimentin; melanocytic makers: protein S-100 and HMB45 (Human Melanoma Black); proliferating cell marker: proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and P-53 oncoprotein. High Risk (16, 18, 31, 45) and Low Risk (6, 11) HPV types were studied by In Situ Hybridization using the same vaginal samples. CK, EMA and Vimentin were 2+. Melanocytic markers, HMB45 and S100, and PCNA were 1+ in basal cell layer. P-53 was negative. The melanotic tissue and acetowhite lesion were positives to HPV Types 6,11. In conclusion, melanosis of the vagina is a uncommon benign pathology. Usually, melanosis is present in women over 40 years old. We present a case of melanosis of the vagina in a young woman infected with low-risk HPV types and review the literature.

Las lesiones melanóticas de la vagina son infrecuentes. y Solo pocos casos han sido reportados. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 34 años quien es referida con diagnóstico de una Neoplasia Intraepitelial Vaginal 1. Al examen ginecológico, se encontraron dos áreas hiperpigmentadas en la vagina. La exploración colposcópica del cuello uterino y vagina reveló la presencia de una lesión aceto-blanca en la pared lateral derecha del tercio superior de la vagina. Muestras de biopsias fueron tomadas en dichas áreas. El estudio histológico reportó una melanosis de la vagina y una infección por el virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH). Se realizó un panel de estudio inmunohistoquímico de marcadores epiteliales en las muestras vaginales: tales como citoqueratina AE1/AE3 y antígeno epitelial de membrana; marcador mesenquimal: vimentin; marcadores melanóticos: proteina S-100 y HMB45 (Human Melanoma Black); marcadores de proliferación celular: antígeno de proliferación nuclear (PCNA), y la oncoproteína P-53. Se realizó Hibridización In Situ para establecer los tipos de alto (16, 18, 31, 45) y bajo (6, 11) riesgo de VPH en las muestras vaginales. Los marcadores CK, EMA y Vimentin fueron 2+. Los marcadores melanótico, el HMB45 y el S100, y el PCNA fueron 1+ en la capa basal. P-53 fue negativo. El tejido melanótico y la lesión acetoblanca fueron positivos al VPH 6,11. En conclusión, la melanosis vaginal es una patología poco frecuente. Usualmente, se ha reportado en mujeres mayores de 40 años. Presentamos un caso de una melanosis de la vagina infectada con un tipo de VPH de bajo riesgo en una mujer joven y una revisión de la literatura.