Oportunidades perdidas en la detección temprana de la infección por VIH en pacientes con infecciones de transmisión sexual: un estudio de vida real / Missed opportunities in the early detection of HIV infection in patients with sexually transmitted infections: A real-life study

Introducción: Las enfermedades de transmisión sexual, como la cervicitis, la proctitis y la uretritis, se asocian a altas tasas de infección por VIH. Ante la sospecha de estas patologías, se debería solicitar una serología del VIH. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo realizado durante 2018 en el Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga). Se revisaron las serologías para el VIH solicitadas en pacientes a los que se les pidió una PCR para Chlamydia trachomatis y Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Resultados: Se valoraron 1.818 pacientes, en los que se realizó serología para el VIH al 44,7%, de las cuales 14 (1,7%) resultaron positivas. El 55,3% restante fueron oportunidades perdidas de diagnóstico. Conclusiones: Las infecciones por C.trachomatis y N.gonorrhoeae están asociadas a una elevada tasa de infección oculta por el VIH. El grado de sospecha de VIH en esta población sigue siendo bajo, y resulta esencial que se refuerce ante la posibilidad de infección por estas patologías.(AU)

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases such as cervicitis, proctitis and urethritis are associated with high rates of HIV infection. When these pathologies are suspected, HIV serology should be requested. Material and methods: A Retrospective study was performed during 2018 at the Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Spain). HIV serologies requested in patients who were asked for PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were reviewed. Results: A total of 1818 patients were evaluated, in which HIV serology was performed in 44.7%, of which 14 (1.7%) were positive. The remaining 55.3% were missed diagnostic opportunities. Conclusions: C.trachomatis and N.gonorrhoeae infections are associated with a high rate of occult HIV infection. The degree of suspicion of HIV in this population remains low and it is essential that it be reinforced in the presence of the possibility of infection by these pathologies.(AU)

Mycoplasma genitalium: Key Information for the Primary Care Clinician.

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is an emerging sexually transmitted infection, which appears to be a cause of urethritis and cervicitis and has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis, proctitis, infertility, complications during pregnancy, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Three Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tests are available. Testing should be focused to avoid inappropriate antibiotic use. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend testing for persistent male urethritis, cervicitis, and proctitis and state that testing should be considered in cases of PID. Testing is also recommended for sexual contacts of patients with MG. Testing is not recommended in asymptomatic patients, including pregnant patients, who do not have a history of MG exposure. Although resistance-guided therapy is recommended, there are currently no FDA approved tests for MG macrolide resistance, and tests are not widely available in the United States. The CDC recommends 2-step treatment with doxycycline followed by azithromycin or moxifloxacin. Moxifloxacin is recommended if resistance testing is unavailable or testing demonstrates macrolide resistance..

Clinical efficacy of thermocoagulation in women with biopsy-confirmed cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) or less after colposcopy referral.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of thermocoagulation in women with biopsy-confirmed cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or less after colposcopy referral. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed. Women who were diagnosed with cervical LSIL or chronic cervicitis underwent scheduled follow-up examinations with cytology and human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping for two years after the initial management with thermocoagulation or observation without treatment. All women underwent scheduled follow-up with combined cytology and HPV test at 6th months, 12th months, and 24th months after the initial management. Both HPV clearance and cytological regression were included in the analysis, with clinical cure defined as normal cytology and negative HPV results. RESULTS: A total of 221 women were included. The histopathological results identified 136 (61.54%) patients with LSIL and 85 (38.46%) with chronic cervicitis. Of these, 113 (51.13%) received thermocoagulation therapy, and 108 (48.87%) chose observation. The 2-year follow-up rate was 91.40%. Women who received thermocoagulation presented a significantly higher probability of cure for two years than those who chose observation (62.86% vs 39.18%, p < 0.001). This preponderance was not observed in the subgroup analysis regarding women with cervical cervicitis (54.17% vs 41.38%, p = 0.277) but was observed in women with LSILs (70.18% vs 38.24%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thermocoagulation may be indicated for patients with cervical LSILs as an effective outpatient procedure in clinical practice.

Mycoplasma genitalium in the US (MyGeniUS): Surveillance Data From Sexual Health Clinics in 4 US Regions.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is on the CDC Watch List of Antimicrobial Resistance Threats, yet there is no systematic surveillance to monitor change. METHODS: We initiated surveillance in sexual health clinics in 6 cities, selecting a quota sample of urogenital specimens tested for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. We abstracted patient data from medical records and detected MG and macrolide-resistance mutations (MRMs) by nucleic acid amplification testing. We used Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for sampling criteria (site, birth sex, symptom status). RESULTS: From October-December 2020 we tested 1743 urogenital specimens: 57.0% from males, 46.1% from non-Hispanic Black persons, and 43.8% from symptomatic patients. MG prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI: 14.9-18.5%; site-specific range: 9.9-23.5%) and higher in St Louis (aPR: 1.9; 1.27-2.85), Greensboro (aPR: 1.8; 1.18-2.79), and Denver (aPR: 1.7; 1.12-2.44) than Seattle. Prevalence was highest in persons <18 years (30.4%) and declined 3% per each additional year of age (aPR: .97; .955-.982). MG was detected in 26.8%, 21.1%, 11.8%, and 15.4% of urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), respectively. It was present in 9% of asymptomatic males and 15.4% of asymptomatic females, and associated with male urethritis (aPR: 1.7; 1.22-2.50) and chlamydia (aPR: 1.7; 1.13-2.53). MRM prevalence was 59.1% (95% CI: 53.1-64.8%; site-specific range: 51.3-70.6%). MRMs were associated with vaginitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.14-2.85), cervicitis (aPR: 3.5; 1.69-7.30), and PID cervicitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.09-3.08). CONCLUSIONS: MG infection is common in persons at high risk of sexually transmitted infections; testing symptomatic patients would facilitate appropriate therapy. Macrolide resistance is high and azithromycin should not be used without resistance testing.

[Correlation and clinical significance of VISTA expression and cervical squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the expression of the T-cell activation suppressor-immunoglobulin variable region (VISTA) and the development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), and the impact on the prognosis of CSCC patients. Methods: Cervical tissue samples from 116 CSCC, including 23 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, 23 CIN grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, and 23 chronic cervicitis patients, were collected from the First Hospital of Soochow University between March 2014 and April 2019. The expression of VISTA in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival data of CSCC patients were obtained by follow-up. The survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences between groups were compared by Log rank test. Prognostic impact factors were analyzed using a multifactorial Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The positive rate of VISTA expression in CSCC group was 32.8% (38/116), and which of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ was 17.4% (4/23). VISTA expression results showed no positive expression patients in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I and chronic cervicitis groups. The differences between the CSCC group and other groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). In 116 CSCC patients, VISTA expression was associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.01). The mean survival time of patients in the VISTA positive expression group was 30.7 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 44.7% (17/38). However, the mean survival time of the patients in the VISTA negative expression group was 49.1 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 87.2% (68/78). The Cox regression model found that VISTA expression positivity (P=0.001) and FIGO stage (P=0.047) were prognostic factors for CSCC, and patients with VISTA-positive CSCC had a 4.130-fold risk of death higher than those with VISTA-negative expression. Conclusions: The VISTA protein is highly expressed in CSCC tissues, and its expression level is closely related to the occurrence and development of CSCC. The expression of VISTA can be used as an independent predictor of CSCC prognosis and can provide a strong basis for the treatment of CSCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Association of MicroRNA-10b Expression and P16 with Pathological Features in Various Stages of Cervical Precancerous Lesions.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer for females with 14,100 new cases each year globally. Efficient screening and intervention at the precancerous stage is the key point to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. However, no widely recognized biomarkers have been discovered yet. We investigated the expression of miR-10b in cervical cells and its correlation with clinicopathological features in different pathological grades of cervical precancerous lesions. The expression of miR-10b in cervical cytology samples from 20 cases of LSIL, 22 cases of HSIL, 18 cases of early-stage cervical cancer, and 20 cases of cervicitis controls were assessed using qPCR. From the same cervical cytology samples, the human papillomavirus (HPV) load was assessed using semi-PCR and the lesion size, and gland involvement levels from the same subjects were assessed during the cervical examination. The correlation between miR-10b expression and different pathological grades of cervical lesions was analyzed. We also calculated the correlation between HPV load, lesion size, gland involvement, P16 expression, and different pathological grades. The expression of miR-10b exhibited a step-decreasing manner from cervicitis control (4.23(4.00,4.71)) to LSIL (2.67(2.52,2.90)), HSIL (1.49(1.30,1.80)) and cervical cancer group (0.65(0.55,0.80)). There is a significant difference (P<0.001) between cervicitis and HSIL, cervicitis and cervical cancer, ISIL and HSIL, as well as ISIL and cervical cancer but not between the cervicitis group and the LSIL group. In addition, more severe pathological grades were correlated with a bigger rate of gland involvement (P＜0.001). We also found that different pathological grades were correlated with the intensity of P16 expression (P=0.001), and the intensity of P16 expression is positively correlated with different pathological grades (P<0.05). Repressed expression of miR-10b is related to the progression of cervical precancerous lesions. Increased gland involvement rate and increased intensity of P16 expression are risk factors for developing cervical cancers. Our result showed that miR-10b may be a potential biomarker for the screening and ranking of cervical precancerous lesions.

Manejo en atención primaria de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (I). Epidemiología. Síndrome secretor / Primary care management of sexually transmitted infections (I). Epidemiology. Secreting syndrome

Actualmente las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) son un problema de salud pública importante debido a su elevada prevalencia y a que precisan de un diagnóstico y un tratamiento precoces para evitar complicaciones. En los últimos años se está observando un aumento exponencial de los casos de infecciones causadas por Chlamydia trachomatis y gonococo en población menor de 25años. También se ha detectado un aumento de la incidencia de sífilis y de hepatitisC (VHC), sobre todo en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El herpes genital sigue siendo la segunda ITS más frecuente en el mundo, por detrás del condiloma acuminado, y la primera causa de úlcera genital en España en la población sexualmente activa. Durante el año 2020 se observó un descenso de los casos notificados de VIH, pero casi la mitad de estos nuevos casos presentaban un diagnóstico tardío (<350CD4cel/μl). Las guías actuales recomiendan ofrecer anualmente el cribado de ITS a las poblaciones de riesgo y más frecuentemente en función de dicho riesgo. Las ITS pueden presentarse, entre otras, en forma de síndromes, como son el síndrome secretor (uretritis, proctitis, cervicitis) o el síndrome ulcerado (úlceras). Las ITS que pueden cursar con síndrome secretor están causadas principalmente por Neisseria gonorrhoeae y C.trachomatis, que infectan conjuntamente hasta en el 40% de los casos, y que producen uretritis, cervicitis o proctitis según el lugar en que se localizan. El gonococo tiene un periodo de incubación de 2 a 7días y la clamidia de 2 a 6semanas, y se diagnostican a través de PCR y/o cultivo (este último solo válido para gonococo) de las muestras recogidas según prácticas sexuales...(AU)

These days sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important public health problems not only due to their high prevalence, but also because they require early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in cases of infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and gonococcus in the population under 25years of age. In addition, an increase in the incidence of syphilis and hepatitisC (HCV) has also been detected, especially in men who have sex with other men (MSM). Genital herpes continues to be the second most frequent STI in the world, behind condyloma acuminata, and the first cause of genital ulcer among Spain in the sexually active population. A decrease in reported HIV cases was observed during 2020, but almost half of these new cases had a late diagnosis (<350CD4cell/μL). Current guidelines recommend offering STI annual screening to populations at risk or more often depending on the risk. STIs can appear in the form of syndromes, such as secretory syndrome (urethritis, proctitis, and cervicitis) or ulcerated syndrome (ulcers). The STIs that can cause secretory syndrome are mainly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis, which co-infect up to 40% of cases, and also cause urethritis, cervicitis or proctitis depending on where they are located. Gonococcus has an incubation period of 2-7days and Chlamydia 2-6weeks, and they are diagnosed using PCR and/or culture (the last one only valid for gonococcus) of samples collected according to sexual activities...(AU)

[Primary care management of sexually transmitted infections (I). Epidemiology. Secreting syndrome]. / Manejo en atención primaria de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (I). Epidemiología. Síndrome secretor.

These days sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important public health problems not only due to their high prevalence, but also because they require early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications. In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in cases of infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and gonococcus in the population under 25years of age. In addition, an increase in the incidence of syphilis and hepatitisC (HCV) has also been detected, especially in men who have sex with other men (MSM). Genital herpes continues to be the second most frequent STI in the world, behind condyloma acuminata, and the first cause of genital ulcer among Spain in the sexually active population. A decrease in reported HIV cases was observed during 2020, but almost half of these new cases had a late diagnosis (<350CD4cell/µL). Current guidelines recommend offering STI annual screening to populations at risk or more often depending on the risk. STIs can appear in the form of syndromes, such as secretory syndrome (urethritis, proctitis, and cervicitis) or ulcerated syndrome (ulcers). The STIs that can cause secretory syndrome are mainly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis, which co-infect up to 40% of cases, and also cause urethritis, cervicitis or proctitis depending on where they are located. Gonococcus has an incubation period of 2-7days and Chlamydia 2-6weeks, and they are diagnosed using PCR and/or culture (the last one only valid for gonococcus) of samples collected according to sexual activities. Empirical treatment to cover both germs will be accomplished with ceftriaxone, 1g single intramuscular dose plus doxycycline 100mg every 12h orally for 7days, or azithromycin 1g single dose orally (we will use azithromycin only if we suspect a poor compliance with treatment, difficulty in going to the control or in pregnancy). Likewise, whenever we diagnose an STI firstly, we must offer advice and health education in order to promote the adoption of safe sexual behaviours and the correct use of barrier methods. Secondly, we must also screen for other STIs (HIV, syphilis, hepatitisB, and hepatitisA andC depending on the risk), offer HBV and HAV vaccination if it is appropriate, and finally study and treat all sexual partners from the previous 3months.

Infectious Vaginitis, Cervicitis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Vaginal symptoms are one of the most common reasons women consult with physicians and can significantly impact quality of life. The differential diagnosis of vaginal discharge includes physiologic discharge, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, most commonly caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis infections. Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix and typically caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. PID is infection of the female upper genital tract, involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or pelvic peritoneum and usually caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and bacterial vaginosis-associated pathogens. A pelvic exam should be performed for any woman presenting with vaginal discharge to confirm the diagnosis and rule out an upper tract infection. BV and vulvovaginal candidal infections only require treatment if symptomatic and do not require partner therapy, whereas treatment and partner therapy is recommended for sexually transmitted illnesses, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Vaginitis may be uncomfortable, but rarely leads to serious long-term consequence, but pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to serious long-term sequelae, including increased risk for ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain.

Analysis of eEF1A2 gene expression and copy number in cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and analyze the expression of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) gene in cervical cancer tissues, its relationship with patient survival, gene mutations, and changes in copy number in cervical cancer and chronic cervicitis tissues. METHODS: The expression of the eEF1A2 gene in cervical cancer and its relationship with patient survival were analyzed using gene expression profile interactive analysis. Changes in eEF1A2 expression in cervical cancer tissues were analyzed using cBioPortal, a portal for cancer genomics analysis. The eEF1A2 copy number in cervical cancer tissues and chronic cervicitis tissues was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the expression of eEF1A2 protein and the clinical stage, pathological grade, and patient survival of cervical cancer was analyzed by the database: The Human Protein Atlas, an integrated repository portal for tumor-immune system interactions. RESULTS: Gene expression profile interactive analysis database analysis showed no significant differences in the expression of eEF1A2 between cervical cancer and normal cervical tissues (P > .05). The eEF1A2 gene expression level was not correlated with the survival of cervical cancer patients (P > .05). Analysis of the cBioPortal database showed that 18 of 297 cervical cancer patients had eEF1A2 gene changes, including missense mutation, splice mutation, amplification, and messenger RNA increase. There was no significant difference in eEF1A2 gene copy number between cervical cancer and chronic cervicitis (P > .05). The Human Protein Atlas and an integrated repository portal for tumor-immune system interactions database analysis of immunohistochemical data showed that eEF1A2 protein expression was no significant difference in clinical stage, pathological grade and patient survival of cervical cancer (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The eEF1A2 gene was mutated in cervical cancer tissues. The eEF1A2 gene copy number was not associated with changes in the expression of the eEF1A2 gene in cervical cancer tissues.

C/EBPß expression decreases in cervical cancer and leads to tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is currently estimated to be the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in some of the world's poorest countries. C/EBPß has tumor suppressor effects because it is necessary for oncogene-induced senescence. However, C/EBPß also has an oncogenic role. The specific role of C/EBPß in cervical cancer as a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of the C/EBPß protein in cervical tumorigenesis and progression. METHODS: Quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze C/EBPß (15 cervical cancer tissue samples and 15 corresponding normal cervical tissue samples), miR-661, and MTA1 mRNA expression in clinical samples (10 cervical cancer tissue samples and 10 corresponding normal cervical tissue samples). Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze C/EBPß (381 clinical samples), Ki67 (80 clinical samples) and PCNA ( 60 clinical samples) protein expression. MALDI-TOF MassARRAY was used to analyze C/EBPß gene methylation (13 cervical cancer tissues and 13 corresponding normal cervical tissues). Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 in cervical cancer cell lines. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect C/EBPß protein expression levels, and mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Flow cytometry was performed to measure cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis. Colony formation, Transwell, cell invasion, and wound healing assays were performed to detect cell migration and invasion. RESULTS: C/EBPß protein expression was significantly reduced in cervical cancer tissues compared with cervicitis tissues (P < 0.01). Ki67 protein and PCNA protein expression levels were significantly higher in cervical cancer tissues compared with cervicitis tissues. The rate of C/EBPß gene promoter methylation of CpG12, 13, 14 and CpG19 in cervical cancer tissues was significantly increased compared with normal cervical tissue (P < 0.05). In addition, C/EBPß was overexpressed in cervical cancer cells and this overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, arrested cells in S phase, and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that C/EBPß decreased in cervical cancer tissues and overexpression of the C/EBPß gene in cervical cancer cells could inhibit proliferation, invasion and migration.

Histomorphological Evaluation of Non-Neoplastic Lesions of Uterine Cervix and a Correlation of the Lesion with the Clinical Factors.

AIM: This study investigates the prevalence of non-malignant lesions of the cervix among various biopsy samples. METHODS: This case study consists of 50 cases of cervical biopsy over almost two years. The case history and clinical details of the patients were obtained. RESULTS: 60% of the cases that participated in this study reported white discharge per vaginum as a common clinical symptom. 4 cases (8%) showed koilocytic changes specific to the human papillomavirus during the study. Only 2% of the non-specific cervicitis showed lymphoid aggregates. Endocervical changes projected papillary endocervicitis with 9 cases (18%), squamous metaplasia with 7 cases (14%), and nabothian follicle cyst with 3 cases (6%). CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that 50 cases were studied histologically, which had adequate representation of both ecto and endocervical tissue. Moreover, 31-40 years of age of patients showed the highest percentage of non-neoplastic lesions of the cervix when compared to other age groups.

Correlation and clinical significance of VISTA expression and cervical squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the relationship between the expression of the T-cell activation suppressor-immunoglobulin variable region (VISTA) and the development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), and the impact on the prognosis of CSCC patients. Methods: Cervical tissue samples from 116 CSCC, including 23 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I, 23 CIN grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, and 23 chronic cervicitis patients, were collected from the First Hospital of Soochow University between March 2014 and April 2019. The expression of VISTA in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival data of CSCC patients were obtained by follow-up. The survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences between groups were compared by Log rank test. Prognostic impact factors were analyzed using a multifactorial Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The positive rate of VISTA expression in CSCC group was 32.8% (38/116), and which of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ was 17.4% (4/23). VISTA expression results showed no positive expression patients in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I and chronic cervicitis groups. The differences between the CSCC group and other groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). In 116 CSCC patients, VISTA expression was associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.01). The mean survival time of patients in the VISTA positive expression group was 30.7 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 44.7% (17/38). However, the mean survival time of the patients in the VISTA negative expression group was 49.1 months, and the 3-year survival rate was 87.2% (68/78). The Cox regression model found that VISTA expression positivity (P=0.001) and FIGO stage (P=0.047) were prognostic factors for CSCC, and patients with VISTA-positive CSCC had a 4.130-fold risk of death higher than those with VISTA-negative expression. Conclusions: The VISTA protein is highly expressed in CSCC tissues, and its expression level is closely related to the occurrence and development of CSCC. The expression of VISTA can be used as an independent predictor of CSCC prognosis and can provide a strong basis for the treatment of CSCC with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

PREVALENCE OF HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED CERVICITIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF THE RESPONSIBLE PATHOGENS IN UKRAINE: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER STUDY (2019-2021).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To obtain the first estimates of the current prevalence of healthcare-associated cervicitis (HACs) and antimicrobial resistance of responsible pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study was based on surveillance data from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021 in Ukraine. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test according to the protocol of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. RESULTS: Results: Of the 6,885 participants in this study, 1746 women (25.5%) met the clinical definition of cervicitis. Prevalence of HACs and cervcits caused sexually transmitted pathogens were 12.7% and 8.3%, respectively. The incidence of HACs among women with a history of gynecological procedures was 25.4%. The main causes of HACs were legal induced abortions (28.8%), vaginal hysterectomy (23.9%), and postpartum instrumental examination (12.8%). The predominant pathogens of HACs were: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis. Methicillin-resistance was observed in 20.8% of S. aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin resistance was observed in 7.4% of isolated enterococci (VRE). Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was observed in 13.1% Klebsiella spp. and E.coli 17.5% isolates. Carbapenem resistance was identified in 11.6% of P.aeruginosa isolates. The prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli isolates was significantly higher than in K. pneumoniae (33.5%, vs 8.7%). The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 34.6%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: This study showed that the prevalence of healthcare-associated cervicitis in Ukraine is high, and many cases were caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Multiple Sexually Transmitted Infection Pathogens Reveals Distinct Associations with Cervicitis and Vaginitis.

Many diverse pathogens have been discovered from reproductive-tract infections, but the relationship between the presence and abundance of particular pathogen species and disease manifestations is poorly defined. The present work examined the association of multiple common pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with cervicitis and vaginitis. The presence and abundance of 15 STI pathogens and the genotypes of human papillomavirus were determined in a cohort of 944 women that included 159 cervicitis patients, 207 vaginitis patients, and 578 healthy controls. Logistic regression and random forest models were constructed and validated in a separate cohort of 420 women comprising 52 cervicitis patients, 109 vaginitis patients, and 259 healthy controls. The frequency of individual STI pathogen species varied among the symptomatic patients and healthy controls. Abundance determination was necessary for most pathogens that were associated with the studied diseases. STI pathogens were more commonly associated with cervicitis than with vaginitis. Pathogen identification- and quantification-based diagnosis was observed for cervicitis with high sensitivity and specificity, but for vaginitis, the assay results would need to be combined with results of other diagnostic tests to firmly establish the pathogen-disease correlation. Integrated qualitative and quantitative detection of a selected panel of common STI pathogens can reveal their association with cervicitis and vaginitis. STI pathogen identification and quantification can be used to diagnose cervicitis and also help improve correct diagnosis of vaginitis. IMPORTANCE Scarce information exists with regard to whether STI pathogens can be defined as valid microbiological predictive markers for the diagnosis of cervicitis and vaginitis. We therefore conducted this study to assess the presence and abundance of a wide range of STI pathogens among patients having these two diseases and healthy controls as well. High sensitivity and specificity were observed for cervicitis by pathogen identification- and quantification-based diagnosis. In contrast, the assay results obtained for vaginitis would need to be combined with test results obtained by other diagnostic methods to decisively establish the pathogen-disease correlation. Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative detection of a selected panel of common STI pathogens and further coupling with machine learning models is worthwhile for establishing pathogen-based diagnosis of gynecological inflammations, which could be of great value in guiding the rational use of antimicrobials to control the spread of STIs.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure under Propofol Intravenous Anesthesia Combined with Nano-Silver Gel in the Treatment of Cervicitis.

It was aimed at the therapeutic value of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) under propofol intravenous anesthesia combined with nano-silver gel in chronic cervicitis. 100 patients with chronic cervicitis were selected and randomly divided into the control group with 50 cases (LEEP under intravenous anesthesia with fentanyl) and the experimental group with the other 50 cases (LEEP under propofol intravenous anesthesia combined with the nano-silver gel). It was suggested from the results that the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) (76.88±5.65mmHg, 75.45±5.06beats/min) of patients in the experimental group at T1 time were better than those of the control group (83.76±5.43mmHg, 68.31±5.28beats/min). Visual analogue scale (VAS) (1.85±0.73 points), onset time of anesthesia (0.56±0.21min), time to open eyes (2.45±1.38min) and time of consciousness recovery (5.22±1.42min) were all lower than those of the control group (2.83±0.79 points, 0.93±0.25min, 4.33±1.45min, and 7.15±1.34min, respectively). The incidence of adverse reactions, the effective rate of treatment, the time of wound healing, and the incidence of complications (6%, 94%, 23.83±2.05 days, and 6%, respectively) were all better than those of the control group (24%, 70%, 29.25±2.16 days, and 6%) (P<0.05). All in all, intravenous anesthesia with propofol was beneficial to perform LEEP better, and the combination of LEEP combined with nano-silver gel had an important value in the treatment of chronic cervicitis and was worthy of clinical promotion.

[Necrotic cervicitis for co-infection of herpes simplex virus 2 and Mycoplasma genitalium]. / Cervicitis necrótica por co-infección de virus herpes simplex 2 y Mycoplasma genitalium.

Cervicitis is a frequent condition caused mainly by sexually trans- mitted agents. The clinical spectrum varies from absence of symptoms to extensive inflammatory processes that may simulate a malignant neoplasm. We present a clinical case of an adolescent with genital ulcers and systemic disease. Speculoscopy revealed a tumoral-looking cervix. Laboratory studies confirm infection with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and Mycoplasma genitalium, together with a histological study that ruled out neoplasia. It progresses favorably to antimicrobial treatment, with recovery of the appearance of the cervix. Cervicitis rarely presents with necrotic involvement. Co-infection with HSV-2 and M. genitalium infection may have been the determinant of cervical damage and the necrotic appearance. A thorough evaluation and study with highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests allowed an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

A micro-Raman spectroscopy study of inflammatory condition of human cervix: Probing of tissues and blood plasma samples.

The present study explores the application of the micro-Raman spectroscopy technique to discriminate normal and cervicitis condition from cervical malignancy by analyzing the Raman signatures of tissues and plasma samples of the same subjects. The Raman peaks from tissue samples at 1026 cm-1,1298 cm-1 and 1243 cm-1 are attributed to glycogen, fatty acids and collagen and are found to be reliable signatures capable of identifying cervicitis and normal condition from cervical cancer. The Raman signatures from plasma samples belonging to carbohydrates (578 cm-1), lipids (1059 cm-1) and nucleic acids (1077 cm-1,1341 cm-1 and 1357 cm-1) are quite useful to classify various pathological conditions of cervix at par with tissue based diagnosis. The PCA-SVM based classification of the spectral data indicates the potential of Raman spectroscopy based liquid biopsy to rule out false diagnosis of cervicitis as cervical malignancy.

Immune and microbiological disorders in women with infectious and inflammatory pathology of the cervix.

Penetration into the female genital tract of infectious agents is associated with the cause of the onset of cervicitis. In most cases, these are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A high level of viral and bacterial load in the study of clinical material from women with infectious and inflammatory pathology (IVP) of the cervix affects the activity of innate immunity reactions. The total number of examined patients was 76 patients of reproductive age, of which 36 women with cervical IVP and 40 women made up the comparison group. The imbalance of microbiocenosis can be accompanied by immune and microbiological disorders. The aim of the study was to study immune and microbiological disorders in women with infectious and inflammatory pathology of the cervix. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: to identify the relationship between the expression level of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in the epithelial cells of the cervical canal of women in which UPM is determined. To determine the species spectrum and etiological significance of the microbiota of bacterial biofilm of the cervical mucosa in the pathogenesis of cervicitis in women of reproductive age. It has been established that the determination of indicators of innate immunity, such as interferons, in blood serum and the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 receptors, with the study of their balance, taking into account the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties in IVP of the cervix, has an important prognostic value. An increase in the level of the immune response in the form of hyperstimulation of antigens of IVP pathogens leads to the chronization of the inflammatory process in the urogenital tract, to scarring of tissues, which can play an important role in the development of infertility and termination of pregnancy in women of reproductive age.