pathogenic microorganisms in papanicolaou vaginal smears and correlation with inflammation

Non-specific cervicitis or inflammatory changes in a smear report are common which are usually unclear for clinical approaches. To investigate the frequency of inflammation and pathogenic vaginal microorganisms in cervical smears among an Iranian population sample. This cross-sectional study was carried out on Pap smear samples of women referred to gynecological clinic of Taleghani Hospital in Tehran, Iran, between October 2008 and March 2009. This study was conducted on 528 conventional Papanicolaou cervical smears. The frequency and severity of inflammation and prevalence of bacterial vaginosis [BV], Trichomonas vaginalis [TV], and vaginal candidiasis [VC] was determined in the samples. Also co-infection of the microorganisms in Pap samples was evaluated. percentage, mean +/- standard deviation of the outcome parameters were calculated. The comparison between data was performed with the Pearson's chi square or Fisher's exact test. The prevalence of BV, VC, and TV in Pap samples was 17%, 11%, and 0.4% respectively. Overall, the prevalence of these microorganisms in women of reproductive age was higher than menopausal women. There was a significant association between VC and the presence of inflammation in our samples. Based on our results, inflammation in the Pap smears can suggest an infection of VC and the patients should be considered for proper VC treatment

[Cervical smear in HIV infection]

Today with an increasing frequency of HIV infection around the world, its epidemiological studies is becoming more important. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical smear in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected patients and also its association with CD4 counts among an Iranian population. In a case-control study, 247 women, 58 HIV infected cases and 189 healthy controls, were included. Liquid-based cytology cervical smears and hematologic findings were compared between cases and controls. The frequency of abnormal smear was significantly higher in cases 20.7% compared with controls 3.2% [p<0.001]. The mean CD4 count was significantly lower in cases with abnormal smear compared with cases with normal smear [573.0 +/- 306.9 vs. 383.7 +/- 123.6; p=0.042]. Undertaking a serious effort toward provision of gynecological care and cervical cancer screening at the same health center as HIV care, in Iranian HIV infected women is suggested

Squamous intraepithelial lesions associated with HIV infection and CD4+ cell counts in an Iranian population

To evaluate the association between cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions [SIL] and the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection and CD4 counts among an Iranian population. Case-control study. North and East Tehran Health Centers, related to Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Iran. Two hundred forty seven women including 58 HIV infected cases and 189 healthy controls recruited between 2007 and 2010. None. Cytology-based cervical Pap smears and hematologic findings were compared between cases and controls. The prevalence of abnormal smear was significantly higher in the study group [36.2%, 15 LSIL + 6 HSIL] compared with controls [3.2%, 6 ASCUS] [p < 0.001, OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 - 4.6]. The mean of CD4 count was significantly lower in cases with abnormal smear compared with cases with normal smear [573.0 +/- 306.9 Vs 383.7 +/- 123.6; p = 0.042]. Our results suggest the need for undertaking a serious effort towards the provision of gynecological care and cervical cancer screening at the same health center as HIV care, in Iranian HIV infected women

Knowledge and Attitude of Women Regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, Its Relationship to Cervical Cancer and Prevention Methods

This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitude of women to HPV and its association with cervical cancer and prevention methods. In a cross-sectional study, 500 women, aged between 20 and 50 presenting to local health centers in Tehran, were asked about demographic factors and questioned about cervical cancer, HPV, and prevention methods. Responses were tabulated and summarized. Although knowledge of HPV, its relation to cervical cancer and prevention methods among Iranian women is not enough, their attitude towards education in this regards is extremely high. The results reflect the need of advertising and educational programs for public about HPV prevention methods, to reduce the prevalence of this infection and its severe consequences.