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Association between reproductive tract infections and cervical inflammatory epithelial changes
V Singh1, M M Gupta, L Satyanarayana
1Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology, Maulana Azad Medical College Campus, New Delhi, India.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Reproductive tract infections are strongly linked to cervical inflammatory epithelial changes. Early detection through cervical cytology can help identify infections like chlamydia, human papillomavirus, and bacterial vaginosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a significant global health concern.
- Cervical inflammatory epithelial changes (CIEC) are frequently observed during routine cervical screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various RTIs and CIEC.
- To assess the diagnostic value of CIEC for identifying specific RTIs.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 257 women at a maternal and child health center.
- Screening included clinical, colposcopic, cytologic, and microbiologic assessments for common RTIs.
- Specific pathogens tested: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast vaginitis, human papillomavirus, and serology for herpes simplex viruses, syphilis, and HIV.
Main Results:
- CIEC were detected in 80.5% of women, a high proportion.
- CIEC showed a significant association with the number of RTIs, with risk increasing up to 72.6-fold for multiple infections.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed independent associations between CIEC and Chlamydia (OR 21.3), human papillomavirus (OR 13.5), and bacterial vaginosis (OR 22.6).
Conclusions:
- CIEC are significantly associated with RTIs.
- CIEC accurately predict Chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, and human papillomavirus infections in 81% of cases.
- A negative cervical smear effectively rules out these specific infections in 83% of cases.