Infección genital masculina por virus de papiloma humano / Male genital infection by human papiloma virus

El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual más comunes. Puede afectar tanto el aparato genital masculino y femenino, como también el área perianal, ano, y diversas áreas de cabeza y cuello y otorrinolaringológicas, ya sea como lesiones benignas o como promotor de lesiones malignas. Las lesiones benignas por VPH en genitales masculinos se caracterizan fundamentalmente por la aparición de lesiones verrugosas, aunque también puede manifestarse mediante lesiones planas atípicas. En algunos casos hay ausencia de lesiones macroscópicamente visibles que pueden hacerse evidentes con la prueba de ácido acético. La biopsia de la lesión, su evaluación anatomopatológica y, sobre todo, la determinación de la existencia y el tipo de virus involucrado mediante PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) permiten confirmar el diagnóstico. En algunas ocasiones es necesario realizar una cistoscopia para diagnosticar lesiones intrauretrales y vesicales. Los tratamientos propuestos son muy variados y de eficacia dispar, desde las topicaciones y la electrocirugía o la criocirugía, hasta el empleo de la tecnología láser. La prevención con el uso de protección durante el acto sexual así como la educación sexual son fundamentales. En los últimos 10 años se ha implementado el uso de la vacuna para el VPH en niñas con el fin de disminuir la incidencia de lesiones de alto grado y de cáncer de cuello uterino, pero su indicación en varones es menos clara y aún no ha sido consensuada. (AU)

Human papiloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexual transmitted diseases. It can affect the male genitalia, as well as the perianal and anal regions and multiple areas of the head and neck and otorhinolaryngological structures, as benign lesiones or as a promoter of malignant lesions. Benign male genitalia lesions are characterized mainly by verrucous lesions, although flat atypical lesions can be found, as well as the abscence of macroscopic visible lesions that in some cases can become evident using the acetic acid test. Lesion biopsy, its histological evaluation, and the determination of the existence and type of virus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can confirm the diagnosis. In some cases is necessary to do a cistoscopy to diagnose intraurethral and vesical lesions. Proposed treatments are varied and with a wide range of efficacy, from topications to electro or cryosurgery, and the use of laser technology. Sexual education and the use of sexual protection are essential in prevention. In the last 10 years the use of VPH vaccine in girls was widely spread, in order to decrease the incidence of high grade lesions and cervix cancer. Its indication in male patients is less clear and not yet consented among specialists. (AU)

Characterization of low molecular weight antimicrobial peptide from human female reproductive tract.

Background & objectives: The mechanisms that protect female upper genital tract from ascending infection by microbes present in vagina are only partially understood. It is expected that epithelial cells in mucosal surfaces and their secretions directly interfere with microbial colonization and invasion. This study was aimed to demonstrate the expression of 2 kDa antimicrobial peptide which was identified and purified from female genital tract tissues using chromatographic techniques. Methods: Low molecular weight proteins were isolated from human female reproductive tract tissues obtained from premenopausal women. Antimicrobial activity of these LMW proteins was assessed against different reproductive tract pathogens viz., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Group B streptococcus, Gardnerella vaginalis, Escherechia coli and Candida albicans. The expression of these peptides were also documented in reproductive tract tissues with the help of hyperimmune sera raised against the rabbits. The purified peptide was characterized by N-terminal sequencing. Results: Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that 2 kDa peptide was expressed in the stratified squamous epithelial cells of the ectocervix while it was absent in columnar epithelial cells of upper genital tract. Upregulation of the expression of this peptide was observed in patients of chronic non-specific cervicitis and acute on chronic cervicitis. This purified antimicrobial peptide also showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against different reproductive tract pathogens. Interpretation & conclusions: Considering the emerging bacterial resistance against conventional antibiotics, isolation and understanding of the expression of antimicrobial peptides from female reproductive tissue extracts may provide some leads towards the development of strategies for the treatment of reproductive tract infections.