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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Post-loop electrosurgical excision procedure sepsis in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected woman
Linda M Szymanski1, Richard Little, Douglas C Matthews
1Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1109, USA.
Background:
Squamous intraepithelial lesions are more prevalent in women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with immunocompetent women. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is commonly used to treat squamous intraepithelial lesions because it may be performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal blood loss and a low complication rate.
Case:
We report a major infectious post-LEEP complication in an HIV-infected female who had an uneventful LEEP in which a cellulose hemostatic agent was used. Despite the severity of the infection, she was successfully treated with a minor surgical procedure along with broad antibiotic coverage.
Conclusion:
Although a cellulose hemostatic agent contaminated with perineal secretions may have served as a nidus for infection, use of perioperative antibiotics or cervical cleansing should be considered to prevent sepsis in immunocompromised hosts.
