Professional paper
INCIDENCE OF ACTINOMYCOSIS IN CERVICAL SMEARS OF WOMEN USING IUD
Ratomir Hasan
Sandra Moslavac
Hrvoje Brijačak
Abstract
The aim of investigation. Actinomyces are Gram positive, anaerobic bacteria that normally reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Their presence in female genital tract is rare, but significant concerning the possibility of spread of the infection and causing pathological conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease. The association between the presence¬ of intrauterine devices (IUD) and Actinomycosis is well known. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of the incidence of Actinomyces in cytological cervical smears of women who did or did not use IUD. Methods. Papanicolaou (PAP) smears were collected during years 2001 and 2002 in General Hospital of Virovitica and surrounding health care centres. During that period total of 8729 samples had been taken, 597 of which from patients using IUD. Results. Actinomyces positive smears were found in 104 (17%) of women using IUD and in 36 (0.44%) patients who did not use IUD. Conclusion. The incidence of Actinomyces is scarce. It is more frequent in the presence of IUD. In addition, this study shows the value of cytology as a method of choice in detection of Actinomyces.
Keywords
actinomycosis; intrauterine device (IUD); Papanicolaou smear (PAP); pelvic infection
Hrčak ID:
15574
URI
Publication date:
1.3.2004.
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