Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis: prevalence, associated factors, and performance of diagnostic tests

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal trichomoniasis are frequent causes of health care demand. Objective: To estimate the prevalence, identify associated factors, and investigate the performance of diagnostic tests for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Methods: Cross-sectional study with participants over 18 years old. All of them were submitted to an interview and gynecological examination with evaluation of vaginal secretion, pH verification, collection of material for Pap smear, wet mount test, Whiff test, bacterioscopy, and polymerase chain reaction for trichomoniasis detection. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify associated factors with bacterial vaginosis. Diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis was evaluated following Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear, considering the Nugent score as the gold standard. As for trichomoniasis, diagnostic performance was evaluated through the Pap smear and the wet mount test, using the polymerase chain reaction as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 33.7%, and for trichomoniasis, 0.5%. The complaint of abnormal vaginal secretion was associated with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio 2.2). The diagnostic accuracy by Amsel criteria, the Ison and Hay score, and the Pap smear was 35.6, 97.0, and 84.2%, respectively. The sensitivity for trichomoniasis through wet mount test was 0.0%, and through the Pap smear, 100%. Conclusion: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high, and trichomoniasis was low. The only associated factor with bacterial vaginosis was the report of abnormal vaginal secretion. The methods with the most accurate diagnostic performance for bacterial vaginosis were the Ison and Hay score and the Pap smear and, for trichomoniasis, the Pap smear

Características Sócio-comportamentais, o Conhecimento Sobre o Exame Citopatológico e os Resultados Citológicos de Usuárias do Serviço Único de Saúde / Socio-behavioral characteristics, Knowledge about the Cytopathological Examination and the Cytological Results of Users of the Unique Health Service

Objetivos: Analisar, por meio de estudo de coorte transversal, a associação entre as características sociodemográficas-comportamentais, o conhecimento sobre o exame citopatológico e o resultado citológico das mulheres atendidas no Centro de Saúde da Família (CSF) da Vila Mutirão, em Goiânia, Goiás. Métodos: As pacientes incluídas no estudo atendidas responderam um questionário sobre o conhecimento a respeito do exame citopatológico, características sociodemográficas e comportamentais. Os dados coletados foram inseridos em um banco de dados no Microsoft® Excel 2010 e utilizado o Software R i386 versão 3.6.3. Para validação das associações foi utilizado o teste do Qui-quadrado (x²), com nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Das 64 participantes, 96,8% possuem escolaridade até o ensino fundamental. Dessas, 65,5% afirmam ser pardas, a maioria com renda familiar menor que dois salários mínimos, indicando 53,1%. Cerca de 78,0% possuem vida sexualmente ativa, sendo 54,7% iniciado após os 16 anos, 49,2% apresentavam mais de dois parceiros sexuais. Sobre o conhecimento do citopatológico, 93,8% tem o conhecimento, entretanto 89,9% não o realizam na periodicidade adequada. A microbiota lactobacilar foi a mais frequente com 60,93%. Mulheres que faziam uso de cigarros há mais de 10 anos tiveram maior frequência de microbiota não lactobacilar no exame citopatológico com significante associação (p=0,0065). Conclusões: O estudo reforça a importância da necessidade de criação estratégica de medidas educativas e de saúde pública, além de programas de educação sexual e sobre a importância da realização do exame citopatológico e sua periodicidade.

Associação entre Vaginose Bacteriana e Anormalidades Citológicas nos Exames Citopatológicos Analisados em um Laboratório Escola de Goiânia-GO / Association Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Cytological Abnormalities in Cytopathological Exams Analyzed in a Laboratory School of Goiânia-GO / Asociación entre Vaginosis Bacteriana y Anormalidades Citológicas en Exámenes Citopatológicos Analizados en una Escuela de Laboratorio de Goiânia-GO

Introdução: A Gardnerella vaginalis facilita a infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV). Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre anormalidades citológicas e presença de Gardnerella vaginalis nos esfregaços cervicovaginais encaminhados ao Laboratório Clínico da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás (LAC/PUC Goiás) estratificadas por faixa etária. Método: Estudo transversal realizado no LAC/PUC Goiás entre janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2015. Para análises estatísticas, a variável idade foi categorizada em ≤39 anos e >40 anos, utilizando o programa IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 2.0, 2011®) para o teste de qui-quadrado (X²), com intervalo de confiança de 95% e valor p<0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 4.558 exames citopatológicos, a maioria com presença de Lactobacillus spp. (46,97%). A prevalência dos agentes patogênicos foi a Gardnerella vaginalis (79,6%), seguida de Candida spp. (16,8%), Trichomonas vaginalis (2,2%), Herpes simplex (0,4 %) e Chlamydia trachomatis (0,1%). As anormalidades citológicas foram observadas em 9,1%, sendo atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) 2,57%, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 1,78%, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) 3,52%, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) 1,08%, atypical endocervical cells, favor neoplastic (AGC-NEO) 0,22% e carcinoma 0,02%. Houve uma associação significante entre anormalidades citológicas graves e mulheres ≥40 anos, OR 3,01 (IC 95% 2,0-4,58) (p<0,0001). Mulheres ≤40 anos mostraram significância à presença de Gardnerella vaginalis (p<0,0004). Conclusão: Uma elevada prevalência de Gardnerella vaginalis foi encontrada associada com as anormalidades citológicas, principalmente em mulheres sexualmente ativas.

Introduction:Gardnerella vaginalis facilitates human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Objective: To verify the association between cytological abnormalities and the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis in cervicovaginal smears sent to the Clinical Laboratory of the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (LAC/PUC Goiás) stratified by age range. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out at LAC/PUC Goiás from January 2013 to December 2015. For statistical analysis, the variable age was categorized as ≤39 years and >40 years, using the IBM SPSS Statistics program (Version 2.0, 2011®) for the chi-square test (X²), with a 95% confidence interval and p<0.05. Results:4,558 cytopathological exams were analyzed, most of them with the presence of Lactobacillus spp (46.97%). The prevalence of pathogens was Gardnerella vaginalis (79.6%), followed by Candida spp. (16.8%), Trichomonas vaginalis (2.2%), Herpes simplex (0.4%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (0.1%). Cytological abnormalities were observed in 9.1%, being atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) 2.57%, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 1.78%, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cannot exclude high intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) 3.52%, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) 1.08%, atypical endocervical cells, neoplastic favor (AGC-NEO) 0.22% and carcinoma 0.02%. There was a significant association between severe cytological abnormalities and women >40 years old OR 3.01 (95% CI 2.0-4.58) (p<0.0001). Women ≤40 years old showed the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis (p<0.0004). Conclusion:A high prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis was found and its association with cytological abnormalities, especially in sexually active women.

Introducción:Gardnerella vaginalis facilita la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH). Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre anormalidades citológicas y la presencia de Gardnerella vaginalis en frotis cervicovaginales enviadas al Laboratorio Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Goiás (LAC/PUC Goiás) estratificadas por grupo de edad. Método: Estudio transversal realizado en LAC/PUC Goiás desde enero de 2013 hasta diciembre de 2015. Para el análisis estadístico, la edad variable se clasificó como ≤39 años y >40 años, utilizando el programa IBM SPSS Statistics (Versión 2.0, 2011®) para la prueba de chi-cuadrado (X²), con un intervalo de confianza del 95% y p <0,05. Resultados: Se analizaron 4.558 exámenes citopatológicos. La prevalencia de Lactobacillusspp. con 46,97%. Los patógenos como Gardnerella vaginalis fueron 79,6%, Candidaspp. 16,8%, Trichomonas vaginalis 2,2%, Herpes simplex 0,4%, y Chlamydia trachomatis 0,1%. Se observaron anormalidades citológicas en 9,1%, con células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado (ASC-US) 2,57%, lesión intraepitelial escamosa de bajo grado (LSIL) 1,78%, células escamosas atípicas de significación indeterminada no pueden excluir lesión intraepitelial (ASC-H) 3,52%, lesión intraepitelial escamosa de alto grado (HSIL) 1,08%, células endocervicales atípicas, favor neoplásico (AGC-NEO) 0,22% y carcinoma 0,02%. Hubo una asociación significativa entre anormalidades citológicas severas y mujeres >40 años OR 3,01 (IC 95% 2,0-4,58) (p<0,0001). Las mujeres ≤40 años mostraron la presencia de Gardnerella vaginalis (p<0,0004). Conclusión: Se encontró una alta prevalencia de Gardnerella vaginalis y su asociación con anomalías citológicas, especialmente en mujeres sexualmente activas.

Human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis infections in adolescents and young women: Prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among adolescents and young adult women and to identify the risk factors associated. METHODS: This study included 276 sexually active participants, classified as adolescents (15-19 years) and young adult women (20-24 years) that realized conventional cytology and were tested for 27 HPV genotypes and for CT. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with both infections. RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV infection was 50.7% in adolescents and 43.0% in young adult women. The HPV-16 was the most prevalent (27.7%), followed by HPV-68 (6.9%), HPV-52 (6.2%), HPV-39 (4.6%), and HPV-73 (4.6%). The prevalence of CT infection was 11.5% among adolescents and 6.2% among young adult women. Cytological abnormalities were found in 14.2% among adolescents, of which 80.9% were positive for HPV and 10% of young adult women of which 84.6% were positive for HPV infection. HPV16 and HPV 68 were detected in 35.7% and 32.1% of cases with cytological abnormalities. Factors independently associated with HPV infection obtained by multivariate analysis were unmarried or divorced marital status and the presence of cytological abnormalities. The same variables were analyzed for the association with CT infection, and the association with cytological abnormalities remained significant. CONCLUSION: HPV and CT infections are very prevalent in adolescent and young adult women; these findings reinforce the need of early vaccination, prior to the onset of sexual activity, and justify implementation of molecular screening tests.

Estratégias Utilizadas para Melhorar a Qualidade dos Exames Citopatológicos / Strategies Used to Improve the Quality of Citopathological Examinations / Estrategias Utilizadas para Mejorar la Calidad de los Examenes Citopatológicos

Introdução: O exame citopatológico é utilizado para detecção precoce das lesões precursoras do câncer do colo uterino. Objetivo: Avaliar os indicadores de qualidade de acordo com o Manual de Gestão da Qualidade para Laboratório de Citopatologia. Método: Verificaram-se os laudos das fichas de requisição dos exames citopatológicos do laboratório clínico da Pontifícia Universidade de Goiás (LC-PUC-Goiás) entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2017. Resultados: Do total de 6.809 diagnósticos, observaram-se 99,4% (6.768/6.809) satisfatórios, sendo 91,3% (6.215/6.809) resultados negativos, 8,1% (553/6.809) diagnósticos com anormalidades citológicas e 0,6% (41/6.809) de exames insatisfatórios. O índice de positividade dos anos de 2013 a 2017 foram 10,5%, 7,9%, 8,6%, 6,8% e 5,3%, respectivamente. O percentual de exames compatíveis com lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (HSIL) entre os exames satisfatórios no ano de 2013 foi de 1,3%; 2014: 1,0%; 2015: 0,5%; 2016: 0,6%; e 2017: 0,7%, resultados dentro do estabelecido, ≥0,4%. A relação de células escamosas atípicas (ASC)/satisfatórios demostrou valores acima do estabelecido nos anos de 2013 com 6,8% e 2015 com 6,1%. Segundo o Manual de Gestão para Controle de Qualidade, espera-se que, no máximo, 4% a 5% de todos dos exames sejam classificados como ASC. Valores acima de 5% necessitam de uma atenção diferenciada. Conclusão: É de suma importância a educação continuada dos profissionais que participam de todas as etapas do processo, da fase pré-analítica à analítica, para que possíveis erros possam ser corrigidos e medidas preventivas tomadas para uma melhor qualidade na interpretação dos exames citopatológicos.

Introduction: The cytopathological examination is used for early detection of cervical cancer precursor lesions. Objective: Evaluate the quality indicators according to the Quality Management Manual for the Cytopathology Laboratory. Method: The results of the request forms of cytopathological examinations of the Clinical Laboratory of the Pontifical University of Goiás (LC-PUC-Goiás) were verified between January 2013 and December 2017. Results: Of 6,809 diagnoses in total, 99.4% (6,768/6,809) were satisfactory, 91.3% (6,215/6,809) were negative, 8.1% (553/6,809) presented cytological abnormalities and 0.6% (41/6,809) were unsatisfactory. The Positivity Index from 2013 to 2017 was 10.5%, 7.9%, 8.6%, 6.8% and 5.3%, respectively. The percentage of examinations with high-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) among satisfactory examinations in 2013 was 1.3%, in 2014, 1.0%, in 2015, 0.5%, in 2016, 0.6 % and in 2017, 0.7%, results within the established ≥ 0.4%. The atypical squamous cells (ASC)/satisfactory ratio showed values above the standard figures in 2013 with 6.8% and 2015 with 6.1%. According to the Quality Control Management Manual, it is expected that, at the most, 4% to 5% of all exams be classified as ASC. Values above 5% demand differentiated attention. Conclusion: It is of the utmost importance the continued education of professionals who participate in all stages of the process, from the pre-analytical to the analytical phase, so that possible errors can be avoided and preventive measures taken for better quality interpretation of the cytopathological examinations.

Introducción: El examen citopatológico se utiliza para la detección temprana de lesiones precursoras de cáncer cervical. Objetivo: Evaluar los indicadores de calidad de acuerdo con el Manual de Gestión de Calidad para el laboratorio de citopatología. Método: Se verificaron los informes de los formularios de solicitud para los exámenes citopatológicos del Laboratorio Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad de Goiás (LC-PUC-Goiás), de enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2017. Resultados: Del total de 6.809 diagnósticos, se observarán 99,4% (6.768/6.809) diagnósticos satisfactorios, 91,3% (6.215/6.809) resultados negativos, 8,1% (553/6.809) diagnósticos con anomalías citológicas y 0,6% (41/6.809) exámenes insatisfactorios. El índice de positividad de 2013 a 2017 fue de 10,5%, 7,9%, 8,6%, 6,8% y 5,3% respectivamente. El porcentaje de exámenes compatibles con lesiones intraepiteliales de alto grado (HSIL) entre los exámenes satisfactorios en 2013 fue de 1,3%; 2014: 1,0%; 2015: 0,5%; 2016: 0,6%; y 2017: 0,7%, resultados dentro de lo establecido, ≥0,4%. La relación células escamosas atípicas (ASC)/satisfactorio fue más alta que la establecida en 2013 con 6,8% y 2015 con 6,1%. Según el Manual de Gestión de Control de Calidad, se espera que un máximo del 4% al 5% de todos los exámenes se clasifiquen como ASC. Los valores superiores al 5% requieren una atención diferente. Conclusión: Es de suma importancia la educación continua de los profesionales que participan en todas las etapas del proceso, desde la fase preanalítica hasta la analítica, para que se puedan corregir los posibles errores y se tomen medidas preventivas para una mejor calidad en la interpretación de los exámenes citopatológicos.

Human papillomavirus genotypes 68 and 58 are the most prevalent genotypes in women from quilombo communities in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and behavioral characteristics related to cytological abnormalities in women descendants of slaves, who live in isolated communities known as quilombos in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: Cervicovaginal specimens of 353 women were analyzed by conventional cytology and genotyping. HPV detection and genotyping was performed using a linear array HPV genotyping test kit. Behavioral factors and their association with cytological abnormalities were analyzed, as well as the association between cytological abnormalities and HPV infection. RESULTS: The frequency of HPV infection was 13%, and infection with high-risk HPV types was more frequent than with low-risk types (10.2% vs. 2.8%). The most prevalent genotypes were HPV 68 (3.1%) and HPV 58 (2.6%). HPV-positive women were 6.5 times more likely than HPV-negative women to be diagnosed with cytological abnormalities. There was a significant association between HPV infection and the presence of cytological abnormalities in women 31-40 years of age and in women 51-60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct profile of high-risk HPV genotypes was detected, with predominance of types 68 and 58. It is possible that the results of the present study are due to specific characteristics of the population, which is geographically isolated and maintains conservative sexual habits.

Conhecimento dos acadêmicos de uma universidade de Goiás sobre a infecção pelo papilomavírus humano, Câncer do colo do útero e vacina anti-hpv / Knowledge of human papillomavirus, cervical cancer, and anti-hpv vaccine among students from a university in Goiás, Brazil

O câncer do colo do útero afeta as mulheres em todo o mudo. O agente etiológico é o papilomavírus humano (HPV). Apesar da alta incidência, existem programas de prevenção que incluem o exame Papanicolau e a vacina anti-HPV. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a percepção e o conhecimento dos acadêmicos de graduação em Biomedicina da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás (PUC Goiás) sobre a infecção pelo HPV, o câncer do colo do útero e a vacina anti-HPV. Métodos: Um questionário foi aplicado com perguntas de múltipla escolha. A média de acerto para cada grupo de questões foi classificada como satisfatória quando acima de 80%; razoável, entre 70 e 80%; e insatisfatório, quando menor que 70%. Os dados foram transportados para o programa R Core Team 2012 e para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado ( χ 2 ), com intervalo de confiança de 95% e valor significativo inferior a 0,05. Resultados: Entre os 268 participantes, índices de acerto observados para as questões relacionadas ao conhecimento sobre a infecção pelo HPV variaram de 23,2 a 99,6%, com média de 75,7%; acerca do câncer do colo do útero, os índices de acerto ficaram entre 25,9 e 98,1%, com média de 68,9%; concernente à vacina anti-HPV, os índices de acerto variaram de 14,3 a 97,4%, com média geral de 69,3%. Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que o conhecimento geral dos acadêmicos foi insuficiente. Destaca-se a necessidade de novas estratégias de ensino na graduação sobre o HPV, suas complicações e prevenção.

Cervical cancer affects women worldwide. The etiological pathogen is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Despite the high incidence, there are some prevention programs that include Pap smear test and the anti-HPV vaccine. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception and knowledge of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and anti-HPV vaccine among biomedicine students from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás (PUC Goiás). Methods: A questionnaire was administered with objective questions in a multiple-choice format. The mean score for each group of questions was classified as follows: satisfactory, if above 80%; reasonable, between 70 and 80%; and unsatisfactory, when less than 70%. The data was transferred to the R Core Team 2012. In order to develop the statistical analysis, the chi-square test ( χ 2 ) was applied, with a confidence interval of 95% and a significant value below 0.05. Results: From 268 participants, the scores concerning the HPV infection varied from 23,2 to 99,6%, with an average of 75,7%; with regard to cervical cancer, scores ranged from 25,9 to 98,1% with an average of 68,9%; and regarding the anti-HPV vaccine, scores ranged from 14,3 to 97,4%, with an average of 69,3%. Conclusion: The results showed that the general performance of the academics was insufficient. We highlight the need for new strategies on undergraduate teaching about HPV, its complications and prevention.

HPV infection and cervical neoplasia: associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral risks such as age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and partner's sexual behavior are associated with an increased risk of HPV infection, persistence of the infection and the development of neoplastic precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with HPV positivity and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia in women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. METHODS: This study evaluated a series of 198 women referred with an abnormal cervical smear. Risk factors for HPV infection were investigated using a questionnaire. All cervical specimens were tested for 27 HPV genotypes using the Roche polymerase chain reaction reverse line blot assay. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HPV was 87 %. First sexual intercourse before 16 years of age was significantly associated with a positive HPV test (OR 4.41; 95 %CI: 1.20 - 19.33; p = 0.01). A significant association was also found between this risk factor and CIN 1 lesions or worse (OR 2.2; 95 %CI 0.94 - 5.08; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The age at which a woman begins to be sexually active is associated with HPV infection and with a diagnosis of cervical neoplasia.

Association between the human papillomavirus, bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis and the detection of abnormalities in cervical smears from teenage girls and young women.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and cervicitis may play a role in the presence of cytological abnormalities in female adolescents and young women. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV, BV and cervicitis in female adolescents and young women and evaluate whether these conditions are associated with a finding of cytological abnormalities in cervical smears. METHODS: Cervical smears were screened using the conventional method and HPV-DNA detection was performed by PGMY-PCR. BV was defined as ≥20% clue cells in cervical smears. Cervicitis was assessed by counting leukocytes in five non-adjacent microscopic fields at 1000× magnification. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: The study analyzed 251 samples, with cytological abnormalities being found in 9.5% (24/251). Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (50.0%) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (29.1%) were the most common findings. HPV, BV and cervicitis were found in 44.2% (111/251), 41.0% (103/251) and 83.2% (209/251) of cases, respectively. Of the variables investigated, BV and an abnormal cytological diagnosis were independently associated with HPV positivity. Cytological abnormalities were significantly associated with a finding of HPV and BV in the same woman, and also with a simultaneous finding of HPV, BV and cervicitis; however, the independent association of these combined variables did not remain significant in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: BV and cytological abnormalities were independently associated with HPV infection in female adolescents and young women.

[Abnormal vaginal secretion: sensitivity, specificity and concordance between clinical and cytological diagnosis]. / Secreção vaginal anormal: Sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e citológico.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and trichomoniasis and compare the findings of physical examination of the vaginal secretion with the microbiological diagnosis obtained by cytology study of a vaginal smear using the Papanicolaou method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 302 women aged 20 to 87 years, interviewed and submitted to a gynecology test for the evaluation of vaginal secretion and collection of a cytology smear, from June 2012 to May 2013. Sensitivity analyses were carried out and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) with their respective 95%CI were determined to assess the accuracy of the characteristics of vaginal secretion in relation to the microbiological diagnosis of the cytology smear . The kappa index (k) was used to assess the degree of agreement between the clinical features of vaginal secretion and the microbiological findings obtained by cytology. RESULTS The prevalence of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis was 25.5, 9.3 and 2.0%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of BV were 74, 78.6, 54.3 and 89.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and the NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of candidiasis were 46.4, 86.2, 25.5 and 94%, respectively. The correlation between the clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion and the microbiological diagnosis of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, assessed by the kappa index, was 0.47, 0.23 and 0.28, respectively. CONCLUSION The most common cause of abnormal vaginal secretion was BV. The clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion presented amoderate to weak agreement with the microbiological diagnosis, indicating the need for complementary investigation of the clinical findings of abnormal vaginal secretion.

Secreção vaginal anormal: Sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e citológico / Abnormal vaginal secretion: sensitivity, specificity and concordance between clinical and cytological diagnosis

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência da vaginose bacteriana (VB), candidíase e tricomoníase e comparar os achados do exame físico da secreção vaginal com o diagnóstico microbiológico, obtido pelo estudo citológico do esfregaço vaginal, pelo do método de Papanicolaou. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal que incluiu 302 mulheres com idade entre 20 a 87 anos, submetidas à entrevista e exame ginecológico para avaliação da secreção vaginal e coleta de esfregaço citológico, no período de junho de 2012 a maio de 2013. Para avaliar a acurácia das características da secreção vaginal em relação ao diagnóstico microbiológico do esfregaço citológico foi empregado as análises de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e valor preditivo negativo (VPN), com seus respectivos IC95%. Para avaliar o grau de concordância entre as características clínicas da secreção vaginal e os achados microbiológicos no exame citológico, foi aplicado o índice kappa (k). RESULTADOS: A prevalência da VB, candidíase e tricomoníase foi de 25,5, 9,3 e 2,0%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade, valor o VPP e o VPN das características clínicas da secreção vaginal para o diagnóstico citológico de VB foram de 74, 78,6, 54,3, e 89,9%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, a especificidade, o VPP e o VPN das características clínicas da secreção vaginal para o diagnóstico citológico de candidíase foram de 46,4, 86,2, 25,5 e de 94%, respectivamente. O grau de concordância entre a avaliação clínica da secreção vaginal e o diagnóstico microbiológico de VB, candidíase e tricomoníase, avaliados pelo índice kappa foi de 0,47, 0,23 e 0,28, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A causa mais frequente de secreção vaginal anormal foi VB. A avaliação clínica da secreção vaginal apresentou sensibilidade, VPP e grau de concordância moderado a fraco, comparado ao diagnóstico microbiológico, o que indica a necessidade de avaliação complementar do achado clínico de secreção vaginal anormal. .

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and trichomoniasis and compare the findings of physical examination of the vaginal secretion with the microbiological diagnosis obtained by cytology study of a vaginal smear using the Papanicolaou method. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 302 women aged 20 to 87 years, interviewed and submitted to a gynecology test for the evaluation of vaginal secretion and collection of a cytology smear, from June 2012 to May 2013. Sensitivity analyses were carried out and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) with their respective 95%CI were determined to assess the accuracy of the characteristics of vaginal secretion in relation to the microbiological diagnosis of the cytology smear . The kappa index (k) was used to assess the degree of agreement between the clinical features of vaginal secretion and the microbiological findings obtained by cytology. RESULTS The prevalence of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis was 25.5, 9.3 and 2.0%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of BV were 74, 78.6, 54.3 and 89.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and the NPV of the clinical characteristics of vaginal secretion for the cytological diagnosis of candidiasis were 46.4, 86.2, 25.5 and 94%, respectively. The correlation between the clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion and the microbiological diagnosis of BV, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, assessed by the kappa index, was 0.47, 0.23 and 0.28, respectively. CONCLUSION The most common cause of abnormal vaginal secretion was BV. The clinical evaluation of vaginal secretion presented amoderate to weak agreement with the microbiological diagnosis, indicating the need for complementary investigation of the clinical findings of abnormal vaginal secretion. .

A portrait of single and multiple HPV type infections in Brazilian women of different age strata with squamous or glandular cervical lesions.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer ranks third in prevalence and fourth as cause of death in women worldwide. In Brazil, 17,540 women were diagnosed in 2012 with the disease. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is a necessary condition for the development of pre-invasive and invasive cervical neoplasia. Currently, over 100 HPV types have been identified, but HPV16 and 18 are recognized as the mayor culprits in cervical carcinogenesis. Our objective was to assess the relationships between single- (ST) and multiple-type (MT) HPV infections with patients' age and lesion pathological status. METHODS: 328 patients with either squamous or glandular intraepithelial or invasive cervical lesion were selected. All subjects were tested for HPV genotypes with reverse hybridization for 21 high- (hr-HPV) and 16 low-risk (lr-HPV) probes. Prevalence of ST and MT HPV infections was compared across histological types and age strata. RESULTS: 287 (87%) women had at least one HPV type detected and 149 (52%) had MT infections. The most prevalent HPV type was HPV16, present in 142 cases (49% of all HPV-positive cases), followed by HPV58, 52, 31, 35 and 33. HPV18, in single or multiple infections, occurred in 23 cases (8% of hr-HPV cases). Almost all glandular lesions were associated with HPV16 and 18 alone. Multiple infections were significantly more prevalent in squamous than in glandular lesion for HPV16 and 18 (P = 0.04 and 0.03 respectively). The prevalence of MT infections followed a bimodal distribution; peaking in women younger 29 years and in those aged 50 to 59. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that prevention strategies for pre-invasive and invasive squamous lesions should be focused on HPV16 and a few alpha-9 HPV types. It is clear to us that in young women, prophylaxis must cover a large amalgam of HPV types beyond classic HPV16 and 18.

Resultados citopatológicos de mulheres que realizaram exame do colo do útero em um laboratório escola da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO: estudo de prevalência / Cytopathological results from women that realized the examination of cervix in a laboratory-school from Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia-GO: prevalence study

Objetivo - Avaliar a prevalência de câncer de colo do útero e infecções genitais em mulheres atendidas no serviço de saúde pública de Goiânia-GO. O exame de Papanicolaou é o método utilizado para detecção das lesões intraepiteliais e neoplásicas da cérvice uterina, tendo importante papel na prevenção do câncer do colo do útero e no diagnóstico das infecções genitais. Métodos - Estudo retrospectivo dos laudos dos exames citopatológicos das mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Atenção Básica em Saúde (UABS) de Goiânia-GO, entre 03/2006 a 05/2008. Os esfregaços citológicos foram analisados no Centro de Análises Clínicas Rômulo Rocha da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Goiás (CACRR/FF/UFG). Resultados - Um total de 15.615 mulheres foi incluído no estudo. A mediana de idade foi de 33 anos (14-93 anos), a maioria (57,6%) tinha entre 20 e 39 anos e 6,6% (n=1.034) eram < 20 anos de idade. Mais de 50% dos casos de infecção entre adultas e adolescentes eram causados por Gardnerella vaginalis e 13,6% por Trichomonas vaginalis. Entre mulheres mais jovens (20-39 anos),16,9% das infecções foi causada por Candida sp. Aproximadamente 7,6% dos esfregaços avaliados apresentaram alterações celulares, sendo 4,9% células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau (ASC-US/LSIL) para as mulheres entre 20-29 anos e 2,6% células escamosas atípicas com possível lesão de alto grau/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau e células glandulares atípicas (ASC-H/+) para mulheres entre 20 e 49 anos. Conclusão - Lesões graves em mulheres jovens chamam atenção para a necessidade de políticas de saúde pública que reforcem a importância do Papanicolaou para a prevenção do colo de útero.

Objective - To correlate the prevalence of cervical cancer and genital infections with the age of women treated at public health service of Goiânia-GO. Papanicolaou test is the method used for detection of intraepithelial and neoplastic lesions in the uterine cervix, playing an important role in cervical cancer prevention and helping in female genital infections'diagnosis. Methods - Women's cytopathological tests were analyzed at Health Care Units from Goiânia-GO, between 03/2006 and 05/2008. Smears were analyzed at Clinical Analysis Laboratory Rômulo Rocha, at Pharmacy Faculty of the Federal University of Goiás. Results - The total of 15.615 women were included in this study. The median age was 33 years (14-93 years), 57.6% were between 20 and 39 years of age and 6.6% were adolescents <20 years of age. More than 50% of cases of infection among adults and adolescents were caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, followed by 13.6% by Trichomonas vaginalis and to 16.9% by Candida sp. Approximately, 7.6% of smears evaluated showed cellular alterations, and 4.9% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/squamous intraepithelial lesion of low grade (ASC-US/LSIL) for women aged 20-29 years and 2.6% atypical squamous cells can damage high-grade/squamous intraepithelial lesion high-grade and atypical glandular cells (ASC-H/+) for women aged 20-49 years. Conclusion - Serious injuries in young women draw attention to the need for public health policies that reinforce the importance of the Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer prevention.

Cytopathic effects of human papillomavirus infection and the severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia : A frequency study.

Cytopathic effects related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are more frequently found in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1; however, there are indications that at least half the histological diagnoses of CIN2 and CIN3 include koilocytosis areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the cytological criteria suggestive of HPV infection in the cervical smears of women with a histological diagnosis of CIN. One hundred and sixty-two women with abnormal cervical smears and a diagnosis of CIN confirmed by histopathology were selected, including 46 cases of CIN 1, 42 of CIN 2 and 74 cases of CIN 3. Koilocytosis was found in 63% of the smears from women with a histopathological diagnosis of CIN 1. This sign was observed in 26.2% and 25.7% of smears of women with a diagnosis of CIN 2 and CIN 3, respectively. Cytomegaly also was frequent in cervical smears of women with histopathological diagnosis of CIN 1 (71.8%). On the other hand, spindle cells and atypical metaplasia were more frequent in women with CIN 2 and CIN 3. Atypical parakeratosis showed similar frequency in all grades of CIN diagnosis. Koilocytois and cytomegaly were inversely correlated with the diagnosis of CIN2 or CIN 3, with OR values respectively of 0.30 (95%CI 0.13-0.68) and 0.26 (95%CI 0.11-0.58). The others signs analyzed did not show any significant association. Koilocitosis and cytomegaly can provides good reassurance that a patient with atypical cervical smear have CIN 1.

Association between HPV types and species groups and cervical neoplasia from a high-risk area for cervical cancer, Goiânia, Brazil.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of single or multiple-human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and phylogenetic groups on the prevalence and severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women undergoing colposcopy after an abnormal cervical smear. Colposcopy was performed in 198 cases and biopsy was performed in 193 patients. All specimens were tested for 27 HPV genotypes using the Roche polymerase chain reaction reverse line blot assay. The overall prevalence of HPV infection in women with an abnormal cervical smear was 86% (171 of 198). The prevalence of HPV 16 in high-grade CIN (2/3) was 52% (40 of 76), being detected in 88.8% of cases (8 of 9) of invasive carcinoma. The prevalence of HPV types 31 and 35 in high-grade CIN was 10.5% (8 of 76) and 6.6% (5 of 76), respectively. Single or multiple-type infection involving HPV 16 were significantly associated with a diagnosis of high-grade neoplasia (≥ CIN 2) [odds ratio (OR) 6.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-23.44 and OR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.13-12.15] even after adjustment for HPV-DNA. A statistically significant association was also found between HPV 16 and the other HPV types belonging to species α 9 and a diagnosis of high-grade neoplasia (OR: 7.62; 95% CI: 1.28-51.58); however, no association was found between HPV 16 and the other HPV types belonging to species α 7. HPV 16 is the most important predictor of high-grade cervical neoplasia. Multiple-type infections are predictors of high-grade cervical neoplasia when type 16 is present.

Usefulness of repeat cytology at the time of first colposcopy.

The value of repeat cytology in the detection of high-grade preinvasive or invasive disease was analyzed at the time of colposcopy in cases of patients with abnormal referral cytology. A series of 136 patients with squamous abnormalities in their referral cytology, who had undergone repeat cytology and for whom outcome had been established, were included in the study. Final diagnosis consisted of 27 negative results (20%), 37 cases of CIN1 (27%), 31 CIN2 (23%), 39 CIN3 (29%), and 2 (1%) cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Referral and repeat cytology suggestive of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) were findings significantly associated with a final diagnosis of CIN2 or worse. Sensitivity and positive predictive value of repeat cytology for the histological diagnosis of significant histological neoplasia (CIN2 or worse) were 81.9% and 77.6%, respectively. In women with referral cytology findings of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-US/LSIL), repeat cytology was suggestive of HSIL in 20% of cases (11/54), and in 4% (2/54) biopsy was negative or CIN1, and the final diagnosis established by LLETZ was CIN3. Eight cases (10%) of HSIL in referral and repeat cytology in which biopsies were negative or insufficient were diagnosed as CIN3 or worse in the final diagnosis. Repeat cytology would have changed therapeutic management in 4 and 10%, respectively, of patients included as ASC-US/LSIL and ASC-H/HSIL in referral cytology.

Endocervical component in conventional cervical smears: influence on detection of squamous cytologic abnormalities.

The objective of this study was to correlate the number of endocervical cells and the number of atypical cells in cervical smears with cytological abnormalities to verify if a higher number of endocervical cells would implicate in a higher number of squamous atypical cells. In this cross sectional study, it was made a blinded review of 294 conventional cervical smears. The consensus diagnoses reached by the blinded review by three observers included 213 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and 81 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). In each cervical smear were computed the number of endocervical cells and the number of squamous atypical cells, and it was established the following score: one (0-5 cells); two (6-10 cells); three (11-25 cells); four (26-50 cells); and five (more than 50 cells). Compared to the smears with an account of endocervical cells classified in score 1 (0-5 cells), an account of more than 50 endocervical cells was significantly associated to the presence of at least 10 squamous atypical cells in the cervical smears (OR 2.87 95% CI 1.54-5.35). Data from this study suggest that there is a positive association between the number of endocervical cells and the number of squamous atypical cells suggestive of SIL.

Agentes microbiológicos em exames citipatológicos: estudo de prevalência / Microbiologyc agents in cervical smears: a study of prevalence

Objetivo: Vaginose bacteriana, candidíases e tricomoníases representam cerca de 90% das desordens de origem infecciosado trato genital feminino. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar a prevalência de vaginose bacteriana e de infecções por Trichomonas vaginalis e Candida sp e correlacionar com a faixa etária das mulheres incluídas. Material e Métodos: Os resultados de 7004 esfregaços citopatológicos analisados no Laboratório Rômulo Rocha da Universidade Federal de Goiás durante o ano de 2005 foram utilizados para a análise. A distribuição dos resultados em relação à presença ou ausência das referidas infecções foi analisada em um modelo estratificado por faixa etária.Resultados: As prevalências totais foram de 20% (1412/7004) para vaginose bacteriana, 8% (565/7004) para Candida sp e 2% (124/7004) para Trichomonas vaginalis. Maiores freqüências de infecções do trato genital feminino foram observadas entre mulheres de 21 a 40 anos. As prevalências de vaginose bacteriana, Candida sp e Thichomonas vaginalis nesta faixa etária foram de 58%(812/3883), 65% (367/3883), 59% (73/3883) respectivamente.Conclusão: Maiores prevalências de agentes microbiológicos na faixa etária de 21 a 40 anos podem refletir o fato de que estes microorganismos utilizam como substrato o glicogênio, cujo acúmulo celular está relacionado à estimulação hormonal

Fatores que podem comprometer a qualidade dos exames citopatológicos no rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero / Factors that could be endanger to the quality of cervical smear to the screening in cervical cancer

O exame citopatológico possui um importante papel na detecção das lesões precursoras e é o método mais utilizado no rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero, que se detectado precocemente há grande possibilidade de cura. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o preenchimento da ficha de requisição em relação a informações clínicas e identificar as principais causas que tornam as amostras limitadas ou insatisfatórias para análise. Foram analisados 6000 exames citopatológicos em mulheres atendidas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Goiânia. Verificou-se que a maioria das fichas não continham informações clínicas relevantes; 40,73 por cento dosesfregaços não apresentavam células endocervicais e/ou metaplásicas e 30,00.