Cervical colonization with actinomyces in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices

ABSTRACT

Intrauterine contraceptive device [IUCD] was found to promote colonization by actinomyces species. The presence of cervical actinomyces colonization was verified by using direct endocervical smears stained by simple gram stain, it was found among 10% of long term IUCD users. By using culture on brain heart infusion blood agar containing 2.5 mg/L metronidazole, anaerobically incubated for a fortnight, the prevalence was 2% of long term IUCD users. The removed loops of these two cases were positive. Actinomyces was not detected among short term IUCD users. No statistical significant difference between negative, positive and control cases in age, parity and duration of marriage, however the frequency of sexual intercourse was an important which affected the colonization of the cervix with actinomyces species. Though most of the cases with positive actinomyces were asymptomatic, it seems wise enough to overcome this colonization by frequent change of IUCD and not allowing them to st and in utero for long periods