ABSTRACT
Background: Intrauterine device [IUD] is a convenient, effective and one of a long term contraceptive procedures. However, it may act as a reservoir of reproductive tract infections
Aim of the study: to isolate the microorganisms in the cervix and on the removed IUDs after different times in situ, examine their association with microbial biofilm formation on the removed intrauterine devices, and also to detect some common sexually transmitted bacteria
Subjects and Methods: a total of 40 women selected randomly from the Gynecological outpatient clinic of Al-Glaa Teaching Hospital in Cairo were included. Cervical swabs and the removed IUDs were bacteriologically examined. The removed IUDs were analyzed by electron microscope to identify the presence of a microbial biofilm. Real time polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was performed to detect some common sexually transmitted infections [STIs] organisms
Results: The mean age of the studied women was 32.12+/-6.7 years and the mean duration of IUDs in situ was 2.55+/-0.87 years . Mixed organisms [E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida, Staph aureus and others] were detected with no significant differences between the isolated organisms from the removed IUDs [116 ] and that from cervical swabs [134 ]; neither nor to the duration of IUDs in situ [p>0.05]. Chlamydiae trachomatis[55%,70%],Neisseria gonorrheae[30% ,30%] and Mycoplasma [7.5%,0.0%], were detected STIs organisms by PCR from IUDs and swabs respectively with no statistical significant differences [p> 0.05]. Thick biofilm of multiple microorganisms was detected on the surfaces of the removed IUDS
Conclusion: The insignificant association between microorganisms that were isolated from the cervix, removed IUDs and biofilms may indicate the pre-existence of those organisms before and spread by IUDs insertion . IUD may act as a reservoir for resistant microorganisms. The presence of some asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections [STIs], may point to, that women may act as STIs transmitters. Prior to and throughout IUDs use, appropriate management of reproductive tract infections is vital. IUDs related prospective studies are also recommended
ABSTRACT
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by various immunological abnormalities, including dis-regulating activation B lymphocytes with subsequent productionof a large quantity of autoreactive-antibodies. It is also hypothesized that T helper-17 lymphocytes [TH-17] may have a role in this disease. The aim of the present work was to determine the role of TH-17cells expressing the retinoid acid related orphan receptor gamma t [ROR-gamma-t] mRNA in the pathogenesis of SLE disease
Methodology: The study was conducted on 30 female SLE patients fulfilling SLICCA /ACR criteria for SLE classification and 30 healthy subjects sex- and age-matched apparently as control group with no previous history of autoimmune diseases. SLE Disease Activity Index was calculated for SLE patients. Level of expression of [ROR-gamma-t] mRNA of IL-17 were measured in all patients and control by quantitative Real Time Polymerase chain reaction [Q PCR]
Results: The mean +/- SD of ROR-gamma-t mRNA expression levels in SLE patients [3.6+/-6.1] was significantly reduced compared to that of controls [11.7+/-13.7] [p= 0.008].Neither the clinical features of SLE nor the laboratory parameters have significant relationship with ROR-gamma-t expression
Conclusion: The reduction of ROR-gamma-t mRNA expression in TH-17 lymphocytes may point out to the regulatory protective role of TH-17 in the pathogenesis of SLE. Agents that block the functions of these cells should be tried