Hisopado endocervical en mujeres con síntomas de COVID-19 provenientes de departamentos del Paraguay / Endocervical swabbing in women with COVID-19 symptoms from departments of Paraguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: El COVID-19 es eminentemente una infección de transmisión e inicio respiratorio, se discute la existencia de otras fuentes de contagio. El receptor viral ACE2 también ha sido detectado en el útero y en la vagina; de allí se ha planteado el compromiso del virus SARS-CoV-2 sobre el sistema genitourinario y sus posibles repercusiones en el embarazo. OBJETIVO: Determinar la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en muestras endocervicales de mujeres con COVID-19 en departamentos del Paraguay. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Diseño observacional prospectivo, de corte transverso. Se reclutaron 200 mujeres desde agosto 2020 hasta febrero 2021, con no más de 48/72 h de un resultado previo positivo de hisopado nasofaríngeo para SARS-CoV-2 por retrotranscriptasa reversa-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (en inglés rt-RT-PCR) y que aceptaron ingresar al estudio. Se llenó un cuestionario clínico epidemiológico. Las tomas de muestras se realizaron en servicios de salud del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social (MSP y BS), domicilios y albergues de los distintos departamentos de Paraguay. Cada paciente fue sometida a un hisopado con hisopos de dacron o citobrush endocervical para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 por rt RT-PCR. Resultados: Las mujeres estudiadas tenían una edad media de 46,5 años (IC 95% 31,5-62,5). Refirieron contagio comunitario con SARS-CoV-2 en 75,5%, 13,5% en el hogar, 8,5% en el lugar de trabajo y 1,5% en el extranjero. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron: 30%, síndrome gripal, fiebre 22,5%, tos 20%, anosmia 15,5%, trastornos digestivos 15,5%, y otros se presentaron con menor frecuencia. Las muestras de hisopados o citobrush endocervical sometidas a rt-RT-PCR para la deteccción de SARS Cov-2, resultaron negativas en las 200 mujeres de estudio. Discusión: Cabe destacar que las muestras vaginales fueron tomadas dentro de las 24-72 h de haber obtenido un resultado positivo para SARS-CoV-2 en el hisopado nasofaríngeo y que 62,5% de las mujeres se encontraban internadas en módulos respiratorios. Se discute la razón de la negatividad de los exámenes y su trascendencia. CONCLUSIÓN: No se detectó infección con SARS-CoV-2 en la región endocervical de 200 mujeres con manifestaciones clínicas de COVID 19 y evaluadas dentro de las 48/72 h de un resultado positivo nasofaríngeo para SARS Cov-2. Los resultados en la población de estudio concuerdan con otros estudios reportados en la literatura científica.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an eminently respiratory transmissible infection of respiratory initiation, the existence of other sources of contagion is discussed. The ACE2 viral receptor has also been detected in the uterus and vagina; Hence, the involvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the genitourinary system and its possible repercussions on pregnancy has been raised. AIM: To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in endocervical samples of women with COVID-19 in the departments of Paraguay. METHODS: Designed as a prospective observational of transverse cohort. Two hundred women were recruited from August 2020 to February 2021, with no more than 48/72 hours of a previous positive nasopharyngeal swab result for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rt-RT-PCR) and who agreed to participate in the study. A clinical epidemiological questionnaire was completed. The samples were taken in health services of the MSPYBS (Public Ministry of Health and Social Welfare), homes and shelters in the different departments of Paraguay. Each patient underwent a swab (dacron swabs) or endocervical cytobrush for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by rt-RT-PCR. RESULTS: Women recruited had a mean age of 46.5 years (95% CI 31,562.5). They reported contagion with SARS-CoV-2: 75.5% in the community, 13.5% at home, 8.5% in the place of work and 1.5% abroad. The clinical manifestations were: 30% flu syndrome, 22.5% fever, 20% cough, 15.5% anosmia, 15.5% digestive disorders, among other symptoms. The swabs or endocervical cytobrush samples subjected to rt-RT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 were negative in the 200 study women. Discussion: It should be noted that the vaginal samples were taken within 24-72 hours after obtaining a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 in the nasopharyngeal swab and that 62.5% of the women were hospitalized in respiratory modules. The reason for the negativity of the exams and their significance are discussed. CONCLUSION: No SARS Cov-2 infection was detected in the endocervical region of 200 women with clinical manifestations of COVID 19 and evaluated within 48/72 hours of a positive nasopharyngeal result for SARS Cov-2. The results in the study population agree with the findings of other studies reported in the literature.

What influence does vaginal microbiota have on human papillomavirus nfection? / Que influência a microbiota vaginal tem sobre a infecção por Papilomavírus humano?

Introduction: The human body is colonized by trillions of microbial cells, called the microbiota. The microbiome is defined as microbial cells and their genomes. Vaginal microbiota, especially lactic acid bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus sp.), seem to play a critical role in the prevention of various urogenital diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, and human papillomaviridae (HPV) infections. Changes in the vaginal microbiome contribute to the development of precancerous cervical lesions. Objective: To evaluate studies associating the vaginal microbiota with HPV, including the risk and persistence of infection and evolution to squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix. Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on articles published between September 2011 and September 2019, using the following keyword combinations: "HPV [All Fields] AND "microbiota" [MeSH Terms] OR "microbiota" [All Fields] OR "microbiome" [All Fields])." The keyword search was performed in the MEDLINE, Latin American, and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs), Cochrane Library, Highwire Stanford, and Embase databases. Results: In total, 239 original articles published between 2011 and 2019 were found in the researched databases on microbiome/microbiota and HPV. After exclusion, only six articles remained. Conclusion: There is a relationship between HPV and the cervicovaginal microbiota, but the mechanism of this influence cannot be specified.

Introdução: O corpo humano é colonizado por trilhões de células microbianas, denominadas microbiota. Microbioma é definida como células microbianas e seus genomas. A microbiota vaginal, especialmente as bactérias produtoras de ácido lático (principalmente Lactobacillus sp.), parece desempenhar um papel crítico na prevenção de várias doenças urogenitais, como a vaginose bacteriana, infecções fúngicas, doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, infecções do trato urinário e infecção pelo Papilomavírus humano (HPV). As alterações no microbioma vaginal parecem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de lesões cervicais pré-cancerosas. Objetivo: Avaliar estudos que associem a microbiota vaginal ao risco de infecção por HPV, sua persistência e evolução para lesões escamosas intraepiteliais do colo do útero. Métodos: Esta é uma revisão sistemática desenvolvida com base em artigos publicados entre setembro de 2011 e setembro de 2019, usando as seguintes combinações de palavras-chave: "HPV" [Todos os Campos] AND ("microbiota" [Termos MeSH] OU "microbiota" [Todos os Campos] OU "microbioma" [All Fields]) nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Latin American and Caribean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs), Cochrane Library, Highwire Stanford e Embase. Resultados: Entre 2011 e 2019, foram encontrados 239 artigos originais nas bases de dados pesquisadas sobre microbioma/microbiota e HPV. Desse total, após o uso dos critérios de exclusão, restaram apenas seis artigos. Conclusão: Existe uma relação entre o HPV e a microbiota cervicovaginal, mas não foi possível especificar qual mecanismo está envolvido.

Evaluation of the cervicovaginal environment in asymptomatic Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infected women

ABSTRACT Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is sexually transmitted and causes persistent infection. This virus induces activation of the immune system and production of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to assess the cytokine profile and cytopathological findings in the cervicovaginal fluid of asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected women. Methods: HTLV-1-infected and uninfected women were selected at the Centro de Atendimento ao Portador de HTLV in Salvador-Brazil. None of the included HTLV-1-infected women reported any HTLV-1-associated diseases. All volunteers underwent gynecological examination to collect cervicovaginal fluid. Cytokine quantification was performed using the Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Human Th1/Th2/Th17 kit. Light microscopy was used to evaluate cervicovaginal cytopathology. In addition, proviral load in cervicovaginal fluid and peripheral blood was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: 112 women (63 HTLV-1-infected and 49 uninfected) were evaluated. No differences were found with respect to cytopathological cervicovaginal findings between the groups. IL-2, TNF, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in cervicovaginal fluid of the HTLV-1-infected women than in uninfected women (p < 0.05). Conversely, IFN-γ was found to be lower in the HTLV-1-infected women (p < 0.001) compared to uninfected individuals. Cervicovaginal proviral load was detectable in 53% of the HTLV-1-infected women and was found to be consistently lower than the proviral load in peripheral blood. Conclusions: HTLV-1 infection induces immune activation in cervicovaginal environment, characterized by elevated concentrations of Th1, Th2, and IL17 in the cervicovaginal fluid.

Detección del virus del papiloma humano en muestras obtenidas mediante técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias peruanas / Detection of the human papillomavirus in samples obtained by self-collection technique in a group of peruvian college students

RESUMEN Estudio transversal que determinó la frecuencia y genotipos del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR) a través de la técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias de Lima. Participaron 221 estudiantes y se detectó el ADN del VPH-AR con el método de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). La frecuencia del VPH-AR en las participantes fue de 43,4%; de este grupo se encontraron los genotipos VPH 16 en el 15,6% y VPH 18 en el 4,2% y otros VPH-AR en el 80,2%. Se concluye que la frecuencia del VPH-AR es mayor en el grupo de universitarias de este estudio en comparación a investigaciones nacionales previas.

ABSTRACT Cross-sectional study that determined the frequency and the genotypes of the (HR-HPV) high-risk human papillomavirus through the self-collection technique in a group of college students of Lima. Two hundred twenty-one (221) students participated and the DNA of the HR-HPV was detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequency of HR-HPV in participants was 43.4%; of this group, genotype HPV 16 was present in 15.6%, HPV 18 in 4.2%, and another HR-HPV in 80.2%. We can conclude that the frequency of HR-HPV is greater in the group of college students of this study in comparison with previous national investigations.

HPV vaginal self-sampling among women non-adherent to Papanicolaou screening in Chile / Autotoma vaginal para detección de virus del papiloma humano en mujeres no adherentes a tamizaje con Papanicolaou en Chile

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acceptance, preference and compliance with referral of vaginal self-sampling for the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among women non-adherent to Papanicolaou (Pap) screening in Santiago, Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using multistage sampling we identified women aged 30-64 years who reported not receiving a Pap test in the previous three years and offered them Pap testing at the health center or vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing at home. Self-collected samples were analyzed with hybrid capture. All HPV+ women were referred for colposcopy, biopsy and treatment when needed. RESULTS: 1 254 eligible women were contacted; 86.5% performed self-sampling and 8.1% refused; 124 women were HPV+ (11.4%: 95%CI 9.6-13.5) of whom 85.5% attended colposcopy; 12 had CIN2+ (1.1%: 95 %CI 0.5-1.7). CONCLUSION: HPV vaginal self-sampling can be easily implemented in Chile and could improve coverage, successfully reaching women who drop out of the screening program.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la aceptación, preferencia y adherencia a seguimiento de la autotoma vaginal para detección del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en mujeres inasistentes a Papanicolaou (Pap) en Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Mediante un muestreo polietápico se identificaron mujeres entre 30 y 64 años inasistentes a Pap por < 3 años, invitándolas a realizarse un Pap en su centro de salud o una autotoma vaginal a domicilio. Las muestras fueron analizadas con captura de híbridos. Las mujeres VPH+ fueron referidas a colposcopía, biopsia y tratamiento en caso necesario. RESULTADOS: 1 254 mujeres elegibles fueron contactadas; 86.5% aceptó la autotoma vaginal y 8.1% la rechazó; 124 mujeres resultaron VPH+ (11.4%: IC95% 9.6-13.5) de las que 85.5% asistió a colposcopía; 12 tenían CIN2+ (1.1%: IC95% 0.5-1.7). CONCLUSIÓN: La autotoma vaginal para detección de VPH es implementable en Chile y su utilización podría mejorar la cobertura del programa rescatando a mujeres inasistentes.

Carga viral vaginal de HIV em mulheres brasileiras infectadas pelo HIV / HIV vaginal viral load in Brazilian HIV-infected women

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores associados à presença de RNA-HIV na vagina. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, em mulheres infectadas por HIV, excluindo-se aquelas com antecedente de histerectomia, as em uso de medicações vaginais nas últimas 48 horas, as que se referiram à relação sexual desprotegida há menos de 72 horas, as gestantes e aquelas com sangramento genital. Após consentimento, coletou-se amostra sanguínea para contagem de linfócitos T CD4 e carga viral plasmática de HIV, além de lavado vaginal com 10mL de solução salina, que foi centrifugado, aliquotado e armazenado em freezer -70°C para posterior quantificação de RNA-HIV livre. A mensuração de carga viral de RNA-HIV livre plasmática e vaginal foi realizada utilizando-se o kit HIV Monitor v1.5 Cobas Amplicor®, Roche. Pesquisou-se a presença de HPV de alto e baixo risco, clamídia e gonococo por Captura Híbrida II®, Digene, em amostra endocervical. Colheu-se amostra vaginal para bacterioscopia com coloração de Gram, utilizando-se os critérios de Nugent. RESULTADOS: Entre as 200 mulheres estudadas, 73,5 por cento usavam terapia anti-retroviral (TARV) com drogas múltiplas. O RNA-HIV foi detectável no lavado vaginal de 18 delas (9 por cento), mas em apenas uma daquelas que tinham carga viral plasmática indetectável (0,5 por cento). A prevalência de HIV vaginal foi 24 vezes maior naquelas em que HIV plasmático era detectável. Carga viral plasmática de HIV, não usar TARV, CD4 reduzido e vaginose bacteriana aumentaram a prevalência de RNA-HIV vaginal, mas apenas a carga viral plasmática se manteve significativa na análise ajustada. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de RNA-HIV vaginal foi baixa (9 por cento). A carga viral acima de 1.500 cópias/mL foi a única variável que permaneceu como fator de risco para RNA-HIV vaginal livre.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated to presence of free RNA-HIV in the vagina. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with HIV-infected women, excluding those who had undergone histerectomy, had used vaginal medication within the last 48 hours, had had unprotected sex less than 72 hours before, were pregnant, or had genital bleeding. After signing an informed consent, blood samples were obtained for T CD4 lymphocytes count and plasmatic viral load, in addition to cervico-vaginal lavage using 10mL of sterile normal saline, later centrifuged, aliquoted and stored at - 70°C to quantify free HIV-RNA. Plasmatic and vaginal viral load were measured using the kit HIV Monitor v1.5 Cobas Amplicor, Roche. Hybrid Capture test Digene was utilized for HPV (high and low risk), clamydia trachomatis and N. gonorrhoae detection from an endocervical sample. Vaginal swab for bacterioscopy by the Gram method, evaluated according to Nugent criteria was obtained. RESULTS: Among 200 women evaluated, 73.5 percent were using HAART. The RNA-HIV was detectable in the vaginal lavage of 18 (9 percent), but in only one of those who had undetectable plasma viral load (0.5 percent). The vaginal prevalence of HIV was 24 times higher among those with detectable plasmatic HIV. Plasma viral load > 1500 copies/mL, no HAART use, reduced CD4 and bacterial vaginosis had increased prevalence of vaginal HIV-RNA, but in the adjusted statistical analysis, only the former remained significant CONCLUSION: Prevalence of vaginal HIV-RNA was low (9 percent). Plasmatic viral load > 1500 copies/mL, was the only risk factor for free vaginal HIV-RNA.

Tratamiento de las lesiones por virus del Papiloma humano (PVH) a nivel cérvico-vaginal (criocirugía asociado a 5ïfluoracilo y aciclovir) / Treatment to lesions for human Papilloma virus (PVH) in cervico-vaginal level

72 pacientes fueron estudiados, todos con lesiones diagnosticadas a través de colposcopía y biopsia para P.H.V. Un esquema basado en dos categorías tal como la aplicación de crema 5-fluoracilo y aciclovir por vía oral. El estudio muestra efectividad en 80 por ciento y falla fue comunicada por pacientes que mostraron lesiones en la parte externa de la vagina. Complicaciones aparecieron en 42 por ciento de los pacientes, especialmemte en aquellos que mostraron alteraciones de la pelvis estática.

Infeccao pelo HIV e flora microbiana vaginal / HIV infection and vaginal microbial flora

O objetivo do estudo foi a revisao de aspectos epidemiologicos, imunologicos, fisiopatologicos e manifestacoes clinicas da infeccao pelo HIV particulares ao sexo feminino. O estudo da microbiologia vaginal envolveu analise deste conteudo quanto aos seus componentes, com especial atencao aos microorganismos presentes, que caracterizam a flora microbiana em fisiologica ou patologica