ABSTRACT
Amoebic trophozoites were identified in the cervicovaginal smear of a U.S. patient without travel history at the time of intrauterine device (IUD) removal. Subsequent morphologic analysis and DNA sequencing identified a mixed cervicovaginal colonization of the female genital tract with both Entamoeba gingivalis and Entamoeba polecki in association with Actinomyces species bacteria. This highlights to the potential for colonization of the genital tract with E. gingivalis, particularly in association with IUD placement, and represents the first report of E. polecki in this context.
Subject(s)
Actinomyces/genetics , Actinomycosis/diagnosis , Entamoeba/genetics , Entamoebiasis/diagnosis , Intrauterine Devices , Actinomyces/classification , Actinomyces/isolation & purification , Actinomycosis/parasitology , Cervix Uteri/microbiology , Cervix Uteri/parasitology , Coinfection , Entamoeba/classification , Entamoeba/isolation & purification , Entamoebiasis/parasitology , Female , Humans , Intrauterine Devices/microbiology , Intrauterine Devices/parasitology , Papanicolaou Test , Vagina/microbiology , Vagina/parasitology , Young AdultABSTRACT
The parasitism by Trichomonas vaginalis is complex and in part is mediated by cytoadherence accomplished via five surface proteins named adhesins and a glycoconjugate called lipophosphoglycan (TvLPG). In this study, we evaluated the ability of T. vaginalis isolates to adhere to cells, plastic (polystyrene microplates), intrauterine device (IUD), and vaginal ring. Of 32 T. vaginalis isolates, 4 (12.5%) were strong adherent. The T. vaginalis isolates TV-LACM6 and TV-LACM14 (strong polystyrene-adherent) were also able to adhere to IUD and vaginal ring. Following chemical treatments, results demonstrated that the T. vaginalis components, lipophosphoglycan, cytoskeletal proteins, and surface molecules, were involved in both adherence to polystyrene and cytoadherence. The gene expression level from four adhesion proteins was highest in trophozoites adhered to cells than trophozoites adhered to the abiotic surface (polystyrene microplate). Our data indicate the major involvement of TvLPG in adherence to polystyrene, and that adhesins are important for cytoadherence. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this is the first report showing the T. vaginalis adherence to contraceptive devices, reaffirming its importance as pathogen among women in reproductive age.
Subject(s)
Cell Adhesion , Intrauterine Devices/parasitology , Polystyrenes , Trichomonas vaginalis/physiology , Animals , Cell Line , Female , Glycosphingolipids , Humans , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Trichomonas vaginalis/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
To detect the association between the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv), vaginal smears of 1110 women were examined cytologically. Among 45 IUCD users, 10 women were positive for Tv (22.22%). Forty six of 1065 non-users were also positive for Tv (4.32%). There was a significant correlation between the use of IUCD and the presence of Tv (p < 0.05). The data also indicated that the prolonged use (> or = 3 years) of copper-IUCD may promote the growth of Tv in the vaginal mucosa. This result will be a clue to diagnose asymptomatic patients for Tv.
