Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
12:34
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Unusual microbial organisms seen in two cervical smears.
Fadi Brimo1, Lydiai Ouad, Julie Brodeur
1Department of Pathology, McGill University and McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Unusual microbes like Cytomegalovirus and Penicillium species can rarely appear in routine cervical Pap tests for asymptomatic women. These findings highlight the importance of careful cytological evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Cytopathology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Routine cervical Pap tests primarily screen for precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix.
- Occasionally, non-gynecologic findings, including microbial organisms, may be incidentally detected.
Observation:
- Two cases of asymptomatic women with unusual microbial findings on cervical Pap smears are presented.
- Case 1: Cytomegalovirus infection identified in glandular cells of a 16-year-old.
- Case 2: Penicillium species, likely contamination, observed in a 36-year-old.
Findings:
- The study details the cytomorphological characteristics of Cytomegalovirus and Penicillium species in Pap smears.
- Differential diagnosis considerations for these rare findings are discussed.
Implications:
- This report expands the spectrum of findings in cervical cytology beyond neoplastic changes.
- Awareness of these rare microbial identifications is crucial for accurate interpretation and appropriate patient management.
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