[Pelvic inflammatory diseases: Microbiologic diagnosis - CNGOF and SPILF Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases Guidelines]

To determine the microorganisms potentially involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs) and the different diagnostic methods of PID.

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PIDs have various microbial causes. The pathogenic role of the main agents of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium is well demonstrated (NP1). C. trachomatis is the most commonly described bacterium in PID (NP1), especially in women under 30 years old. PIDs also occur in situations that decrease the effectiveness of the cervix microbiological lock, such as bacterial vaginosis, allowing facultative vaginal bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and anaerobes to ascend to the uterine cavity. Nevertheless, participation of the diverse bacteria of the vaginal microbiota, in particular anaerobes, and the polymicrobial character of PIDs are still differently appreciated. In the case of uncomplicated PID, to obtain a microbiological diagnosis, endocervical sampling is recommended during gynecological examination under speculum (grade B). A first swab allows for a smear on a slide for direct examination (Gram, MGG). A second swab, in an adapted transport medium, is useful for standard culture with N. gonorrhoeae and facultative vaginal flora bacteria cultures, with antibiotic susceptibility testing. A third swab, in an appropriate transport medium, allows for the search for N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and if possible M. genitalium by nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs), (NP1). It is possible to only use one swab in a transport medium suitable for (i) survival of bacteria and (ii) NAATs. When the diagnosis of PID is clinically compatible, a positive NAAT for one or more of the three STI-associated bacteria on a genital sample supports the PID diagnosis (NP1). On the other hand, a negative NAAT does not allow the exclusion of an STI agent for PID diagnosis (NP1). In situations where speculum use is not possible, vaginal sampling will be performed by default. In case of complicated IGH, tuboperitoneal samples can be performed either radiologically or surgically. Since these sites are sterile, any bacteria present will be considered pathogenic (NP2). C. trachomatis serology is not interesting as a first line diagnostic tool for PID diagnosis and is not useful for monitoring the evolution of PID (NP1).