[Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae: etiologic agents of sexually transmitted diseases?]
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Abstract:
In 573 urethral swabs, 3 Haemophilus influenzae (HI) and 7 Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HPI) were isolated; 7 of the patients had clinical features of urethritis and in 3 another genital pathogen was associated. Biotype IV was the predominant one in HI, and II in HPI. In 6.259 endocervical and/or vaginal swabs 15 HI and 5 HPI were isolated. Three out of the 15 females infected by HI, had clinical features of salpingitis and 8 of vaginitis; 5 of them were carriers of an IUD. In four out of the 5 females with HPI another genital pathogen coexisted, and in the fifth there was an additional non analysable isolate. Biotype I predominated in HI and biotype II in HPI.
Insights
Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus parainfluenzae were identified in urethral and genital swabs. These bacteria were associated with urethritis, vaginitis, and salpingitis in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gynecology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae (HI) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HPI) are bacteria that can cause various infections.
- Their role in genital tract infections, particularly in conjunction with other pathogens or devices like IUDs, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HI and HPI in urethral and genital swabs.
- To investigate the association of these bacteria with clinical conditions such as urethritis, vaginitis, and salpingitis.
- To identify predominant biotypes of HI and HPI in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of 573 urethral swabs and 6,259 endocervical and/or vaginal swabs.
- Isolation and identification of Haemophilus species.
- Correlation of bacterial findings with clinical symptoms and patient history (e.g., IUD use).
Main Results:
- HI and HPI were isolated from urethral and genital swabs.
- Clinical features of urethritis, vaginitis, and salpingitis were observed in patients infected with HI and HPI.
- Co-infections with other genital pathogens were noted in a significant proportion of cases.
- Predominant biotypes were identified: IV for HI and II for HPI in urethral swabs; I for HI and II for HPI in genital swabs.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus species can be found in the genital tract and may be associated with inflammatory conditions.
- The presence of HI and HPI in genital swabs warrants consideration in the diagnosis of related infections.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic potential and clinical significance of HI and HPI in the female genital tract.