Objective To evaluate the impacts of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) intervention on RTIs-related knowledge, attitudes, practices and prevalence of married women at reproductive age. Methods Four sub-districts ...Objective To evaluate the impacts of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) intervention on RTIs-related knowledge, attitudes, practices and prevalence of married women at reproductive age. Methods Four sub-districts from Xuhui district, Shanghai were selected by multistage cluster random sampling and residence committees were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control one. RTIs intervention was implemented in intervention group, while routine family planning program was conducted in control group. Results Compared with control group, intervention group have improved the following targets: the increment of RTI knowledge score was higher than that in control group (OR=9. 22, 95%CI: 7.01 - 2.14); the increment score of individual health behaviors (6. 31) was higher than that in control group (4.50) (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.21 -2.10); the increase of condom use frequency in intervention group was higher than that in control group (4.12% vs 0.69%) (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.31-2.57); the decreased RTIs rate was higher than that in control group (7.45% vs 0.96%) (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.95). Conclusion It is an effective way to conduct community-based intervention to increase women's RTIs knowledge, improve RTIs-related attitudes, promote good individual health behaviors, so as to decrease RTIs prevalence.展开更多
Reproductive tract infections pose an immense public health concern worldwide as over 600 million new cases are recorded annually along with several complications,including infertility,ectopic pregnancy,preterm delive...Reproductive tract infections pose an immense public health concern worldwide as over 600 million new cases are recorded annually along with several complications,including infertility,ectopic pregnancy,preterm delivery,and neonatal death.Despite improved understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenic invasion,the etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections is yet to be completely understood.Recent data has suggested a critical role of bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract in etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.Here,we review the literature on current etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections and the role of bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract in etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.Emerging evidence suggests a critical role of microbiota disorder of the reproductive tract in reproductive tract infections.Several bacterial,protozoan parasitic,helminthic parasitic and viral pathogens have been identified as causative agents of reproductive tract infections.These pathogens subvert host defenses and activate specific architectural units of the uroepithelium such as Toll-like receptors,which recognize conserved motifs on the pathogens.The activated Toll-like receptors mediate downstream signaling,stimulating nuclear factor-κB,which in turn activates the production of proinflammatory cytokines.This pathway is also associated with recruitment of immunocytes to the site of aggression and release of proteinases,which drive tissue damage in the reproductive tract.Defects in detection of pathogenic components by the bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract may play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.This review provides important information for identification of novel frontiers for the treatment of reproductive tract infections.展开更多
Objective:To identify the prevalence,determinants of reproductive tract infection,and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad,Haryana,North India...Objective:To identify the prevalence,determinants of reproductive tract infection,and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad,Haryana,North India.Methods:This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years insured under employees state insurance scheme and residing in an urban slum of Faridabad.Simple random sampling technique was used to interview 149 eligible women using a predesigned structured questionnaire.Study variables included sociodemographic profile,family planning methods,menstrual absorbent usage,and symptoms of reproductive tract infection.Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of reproductive tract infection.Results:Of the women,46.3%had at least one reproductive tract infection or sexually transmitted infection symptom and 28.9%among them sought treatment for the symptom.Vaginal discharge,itching(14.1%)and lower abdominal pain(30.2%)were the major symptoms reported.Non-usage of condoms as contraceptive was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptoms(50.4%vs.20.0%).Abortion had a significantly high odds of having reproductive tract infection symptoms(aOR 3.71,95%CI 1.59-8.62;P<0.01).Less frequent change in absorbent during menstruation was also reported to have a higher rate of symptoms.The majority of those who took treatment sought it from government or employees state insurance dispensary.2%also went to faith healers.Conclusions:Nearly half of the study population have reproductive tract infection symptom.Abortions and non-usage of condom increase the risk of reproductive tract infection.Menstrual hygiene and condom usage are the significant interventions,which may reduce the prevalence of these symptoms.展开更多
Backgrounds: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a classic opportunistic pathogen with innate resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants. The lung is a main target for colonization and infection by the bacteria either in ...Backgrounds: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a classic opportunistic pathogen with innate resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants. The lung is a main target for colonization and infection by the bacteria either in the context of a chronic, progressively deteriorating infectious and inflammatory pulmonary disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF) or in a more acute setting such as severe pneumonia in immunocompromised patients [1]. Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence, virulence and the resistance pattern, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of P. aeruginosa from sputum samples. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out with a total of 500 clinical sputum samples, which were received from patients, admitted to the various departments of Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Result: Of the 500 samples subjected for isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa, 116 (23.20%) were positive. The isolated strains were tested for antibiotic sensitivity patterns. 93.10% of P. aeruginosa showed a maximum sensitivity to Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin and 86.20% of strains were highly resistant to Cefotaxime. The same isolates were also tested for phenotypic characterization of Extended Spectrum of Beta Lactamases by double disc synergy method against Cefotaxime and Clavulanic acid, according to the criteria of Hi-Media [2]. Of the resistant strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from sputum, 59% were positive for ESBL. The genotype characterization of ESBL P. aeruginosa showed 40% of CTX-M and 46.66% SHV gene. Conclusion: The present study strongly recommends for further checking of the antibiotic resistant strains of P. aeruginosa for phenotypic characterization of ESBL for effective treatment.展开更多
Background:Despite the intervention of free medical care services for street children by a dedicated clinic in Eldoret municipality,health care service of young street females(YSFs)is still deficient.The present study...Background:Despite the intervention of free medical care services for street children by a dedicated clinic in Eldoret municipality,health care service of young street females(YSFs)is still deficient.The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the community strategy package on the uptake of reproductive tract infections(RTI)health services among the target population.Materials and methods:A pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental with a qualitative and quantitative approach was applied among the YSFs aged 10-24 years.The study used structured questionnaires and key informant interviews to collect data from the respondents.Results:The study enrolled a total of 77 young street females in Eldoret municipality.A significantly higher proportion of respondents reportedly first sought treatment for RTI at a health facility after the implementation of the community strategy package(97.1%)when compared to the proportion of respondents who first sought treatment at a health facility in the pre-intervention phase(51.0%)(p<0.001).Early seeking of treatment improved significantly after the introduction of the intervention;72.0%and 94.1%of the respondents sought treatment early during the pre-intervention and post-intervention phase,respectively(p<0.011).Conclusion:The study recommends the adoption of the community strategy as an intervention to increase the uptake of RTIs health services and promotion of the reproductive health of young street females.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the microecology and common infection of the female vagina in border area of Chongzuo City. Methods: Female patients in the outpatient department and inpatient department of gynecology of our...Objective: To investigate the microecology and common infection of the female vagina in border area of Chongzuo City. Methods: Female patients in the outpatient department and inpatient department of gynecology of our hospital from April 1, 2018 to August 23, 2021 were selected as the research objects. The reproductive tract secretions of all patients were examined by microecological examination, morphological examination, chemical analysis and microscopic examination, and the results of various indicators were statistically analyzed to draw relevant conclusions. Results: Among the 1498 women with vaginal micro- ecological imbalances, cleanliness was determined to be 534 cases of degree II, 868 cases of degree III, and 96 cases of degree IV;Nugent scores were 9 - 10 in 9 cases, 8 in 122 cases, 7 in 30 cases, 6 in 18 cases, 5 in 8 cases, 4 in 717 cases, 3 in 248 cases, 2 in 209 cases, 1 in 118 cases, and 0 in 19 cases. AV scores were 8 in 1 case, 7 in 1 case, 6 in 2 cases, 5 in 9 cases, 4 in 84 cases, 3 in 207 cases, 2 in 850 cases, 1 in 284 cases, and 0 in 60 cases. Among the pathogen infections, 99 cases were mycoplasma, 361 cases were candida, 199 cases were bacterial and 8 cases were trichomonas;In chemical analysis, there were 138 cases with pH 5.1, 326 cases with pH 4.8, 775 cases with pH 4.6, 217 cases with pH 4.4, and 42 cases with pH 4.1;meanwhile, 1390 cases were positive for hydrogen peroxide, 505 cases were positive for glucosidase, 487 cases were positive for acetylglucosaminidase, 184 cases were positive for sialidase, 290 cases were positive for proline amino-peptidase, 501 cases were positive for coagulase, and 1064 cases were positive for leukocyte esterase. Conclusion: Female reproductive tract microecology is more complex, and the pathogens of infection are also diverse. A systematic examination can clarify the occurrence and development of the disease, and then provide reliable laboratory data for clinical treatment and guide clinical medication.展开更多
Objective: To understand the prevalence of RTIs/STIs, the incidence of sex violence and the KAP of the sex and reproductive health among unmarried floating young women.Methods: During Ocb.2002 to Feb.2003, in the mate...Objective: To understand the prevalence of RTIs/STIs, the incidence of sex violence and the KAP of the sex and reproductive health among unmarried floating young women.Methods: During Ocb.2002 to Feb.2003, in the maternal and child health hospital of Beijing, Shenzhen, Nanning and Zhengzhou, 1,219 unmarried floating young women who wanted termination of pregnancy and was under 24 years old before induced abortion received gynecological and laboratory examination. At the same time, they also answered a self-questionnaire. Results: The mean age of all respondents was (22.0±1.6) years old. The respondents' average age of having first sexual activity was (20.3±1.8) years old. The rate of induced abortion history was 38.7%. 17.5% of young women had never used contraception. The incidence of sex violence was 15.6%. The prevalence of RTIs and STIs was 56.1% and 9.7%, respectively. Young women were lack of the knowledge about reproductive health care. Conclusions: The reproductive health situation of unmarried floating young women was serious, especially on sex violence and RTIs/STIs and higher rate of induced abortion.展开更多
The male and female reproductive tracts are complex microenvironments that have diverse functional demands. The immune system in the reproductive tract has the demanding task of providing a protective environment for ...The male and female reproductive tracts are complex microenvironments that have diverse functional demands. The immune system in the reproductive tract has the demanding task of providing a protective environment for a fetal allograft while simultaneously conferring protection against potential pathogens. As such, it has evolved a unique set of adaptations, primarily under the influence of sex hormones, which make it distinct from other mucosal sites. Here, we discuss the various components of the immune system that are present in both the male and female reproductive tracts, including innate soluble factors and cells and humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immunity under homeostatic conditions. We review the evidence showing unique phenotypic and functional characteristics of immune cells and responses in the male and female reproductive tracts that exhibit compartmentalization from systemic immunity and discuss how these features are influenced by sex hormones. We also examine the interactions among the reproductive tract, sex hormones and immune responses following HIV-1 infection. An improved understanding of the unique characteristics of the male and female reproductive tracts will provide insights into improving clinical treatments of the immunological causes of infertility and the design of prophylactic interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.展开更多
Introduction:Worldwide,women perform a variety of vaginal practices to enhance their intimate hygiene and sexual health.Objective:To conduct a systematic review to assess the different kinds of intimate hygiene practi...Introduction:Worldwide,women perform a variety of vaginal practices to enhance their intimate hygiene and sexual health.Objective:To conduct a systematic review to assess the different kinds of intimate hygiene practices and their association with reproductive tract infections and complications.Methods:PubMed,Medline and The Cochrane Library were used.Both observational and interventional studies targeting the urogenital infections and their association with hygiene practices were included.Exclusion criteria included studies that assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards intimate hygiene practices rather than their relation to infections.The design of this systematic review complied with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA).Results:Fifteen articles were included.Intravaginal practices were found to be associated with reproductive tract infections.Reusable absorbent material used during menstruation increased the risk of Candida infection with an adjusted proportional reported ratio(aPRR)of 1.54(95%CI 1.2–2.0),but no association with bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas vaginalis infection was noted.Bathing or vaginal washing during menstruation with water only showed a higher association with symptoms of urogenital infections when compared with washing with both soap and water during menstruation.Drying reusable pads inside the house and storing them inside the toilet was found to be associated with a higher candida infection prevalence.Moreover,bathing in sitting position during menstruation,not drying the genital area or using cloth for drying it,and not paying attention to hand washing,were all associated with a higher risk of genital infections.Finally,postpartum use of native homemade vaginal preparations might be a risk factor for ascending vaginal infections,and the use of inappropriate material for menstrual blood absorption was associated with secondary infertility.Conclusion:Several hygiene practices put women at higher risk for reproductive tract infections.We should continue to increase awareness to counter the misinformation resulting from marketing campaigns and common misconceptions.展开更多
Objective: This study aims to explore the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (CT) combined with TCT detection in cervical cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional study design ...Objective: This study aims to explore the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (CT) combined with TCT detection in cervical cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a total of 609 women who came to seek medical treatment were recruited as the study subjects. Combination testing was evaluated on cervical cancer screening by testing the women for HPV, CT with TCT detection and analyzing the relationship of cervical lesions with HPV and CT infection. Results: The study results showed that 21.57% of the subjects were infected with both HPV and CT, and 48.42% of the cases had abnormal TCT results at the same time. Further data analysis showed that HPV infection was significantly associated with abnormal TCT outcomes (p < 0.05), suggesting a possible synergistic effect of the two infections in cervical lesions. The combined sensitivity and specificity of HPV, CT and TCT detection were 21.57% and 48.42%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of single detection. Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study support the importance of combined HPV, CT, and TCT testing in cervical cancer screening, and propose the hypothesis that combined testing may improve screening effectiveness. However, further large sample studies are needed to confirm this conclusion and explore the prospects of combined testing in clinical practice.展开更多
文摘Objective To evaluate the impacts of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) intervention on RTIs-related knowledge, attitudes, practices and prevalence of married women at reproductive age. Methods Four sub-districts from Xuhui district, Shanghai were selected by multistage cluster random sampling and residence committees were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control one. RTIs intervention was implemented in intervention group, while routine family planning program was conducted in control group. Results Compared with control group, intervention group have improved the following targets: the increment of RTI knowledge score was higher than that in control group (OR=9. 22, 95%CI: 7.01 - 2.14); the increment score of individual health behaviors (6. 31) was higher than that in control group (4.50) (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.21 -2.10); the increase of condom use frequency in intervention group was higher than that in control group (4.12% vs 0.69%) (OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.31-2.57); the decreased RTIs rate was higher than that in control group (7.45% vs 0.96%) (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.95). Conclusion It is an effective way to conduct community-based intervention to increase women's RTIs knowledge, improve RTIs-related attitudes, promote good individual health behaviors, so as to decrease RTIs prevalence.
文摘Reproductive tract infections pose an immense public health concern worldwide as over 600 million new cases are recorded annually along with several complications,including infertility,ectopic pregnancy,preterm delivery,and neonatal death.Despite improved understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenic invasion,the etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections is yet to be completely understood.Recent data has suggested a critical role of bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract in etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.Here,we review the literature on current etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections and the role of bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract in etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.Emerging evidence suggests a critical role of microbiota disorder of the reproductive tract in reproductive tract infections.Several bacterial,protozoan parasitic,helminthic parasitic and viral pathogens have been identified as causative agents of reproductive tract infections.These pathogens subvert host defenses and activate specific architectural units of the uroepithelium such as Toll-like receptors,which recognize conserved motifs on the pathogens.The activated Toll-like receptors mediate downstream signaling,stimulating nuclear factor-κB,which in turn activates the production of proinflammatory cytokines.This pathway is also associated with recruitment of immunocytes to the site of aggression and release of proteinases,which drive tissue damage in the reproductive tract.Defects in detection of pathogenic components by the bitter taste receptors of the reproductive tract may play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of reproductive tract infections.This review provides important information for identification of novel frontiers for the treatment of reproductive tract infections.
文摘Objective:To identify the prevalence,determinants of reproductive tract infection,and healthcare seeking behavior among ever married women of reproductive age residing in an urban slum of Faridabad,Haryana,North India.Methods:This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years insured under employees state insurance scheme and residing in an urban slum of Faridabad.Simple random sampling technique was used to interview 149 eligible women using a predesigned structured questionnaire.Study variables included sociodemographic profile,family planning methods,menstrual absorbent usage,and symptoms of reproductive tract infection.Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of reproductive tract infection.Results:Of the women,46.3%had at least one reproductive tract infection or sexually transmitted infection symptom and 28.9%among them sought treatment for the symptom.Vaginal discharge,itching(14.1%)and lower abdominal pain(30.2%)were the major symptoms reported.Non-usage of condoms as contraceptive was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptoms(50.4%vs.20.0%).Abortion had a significantly high odds of having reproductive tract infection symptoms(aOR 3.71,95%CI 1.59-8.62;P<0.01).Less frequent change in absorbent during menstruation was also reported to have a higher rate of symptoms.The majority of those who took treatment sought it from government or employees state insurance dispensary.2%also went to faith healers.Conclusions:Nearly half of the study population have reproductive tract infection symptom.Abortions and non-usage of condom increase the risk of reproductive tract infection.Menstrual hygiene and condom usage are the significant interventions,which may reduce the prevalence of these symptoms.
文摘Backgrounds: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a classic opportunistic pathogen with innate resistance to many antibiotics and disinfectants. The lung is a main target for colonization and infection by the bacteria either in the context of a chronic, progressively deteriorating infectious and inflammatory pulmonary disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF) or in a more acute setting such as severe pneumonia in immunocompromised patients [1]. Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence, virulence and the resistance pattern, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of P. aeruginosa from sputum samples. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out with a total of 500 clinical sputum samples, which were received from patients, admitted to the various departments of Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Result: Of the 500 samples subjected for isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa, 116 (23.20%) were positive. The isolated strains were tested for antibiotic sensitivity patterns. 93.10% of P. aeruginosa showed a maximum sensitivity to Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin and 86.20% of strains were highly resistant to Cefotaxime. The same isolates were also tested for phenotypic characterization of Extended Spectrum of Beta Lactamases by double disc synergy method against Cefotaxime and Clavulanic acid, according to the criteria of Hi-Media [2]. Of the resistant strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from sputum, 59% were positive for ESBL. The genotype characterization of ESBL P. aeruginosa showed 40% of CTX-M and 46.66% SHV gene. Conclusion: The present study strongly recommends for further checking of the antibiotic resistant strains of P. aeruginosa for phenotypic characterization of ESBL for effective treatment.
文摘Background:Despite the intervention of free medical care services for street children by a dedicated clinic in Eldoret municipality,health care service of young street females(YSFs)is still deficient.The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the community strategy package on the uptake of reproductive tract infections(RTI)health services among the target population.Materials and methods:A pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental with a qualitative and quantitative approach was applied among the YSFs aged 10-24 years.The study used structured questionnaires and key informant interviews to collect data from the respondents.Results:The study enrolled a total of 77 young street females in Eldoret municipality.A significantly higher proportion of respondents reportedly first sought treatment for RTI at a health facility after the implementation of the community strategy package(97.1%)when compared to the proportion of respondents who first sought treatment at a health facility in the pre-intervention phase(51.0%)(p<0.001).Early seeking of treatment improved significantly after the introduction of the intervention;72.0%and 94.1%of the respondents sought treatment early during the pre-intervention and post-intervention phase,respectively(p<0.011).Conclusion:The study recommends the adoption of the community strategy as an intervention to increase the uptake of RTIs health services and promotion of the reproductive health of young street females.
文摘Objective: To investigate the microecology and common infection of the female vagina in border area of Chongzuo City. Methods: Female patients in the outpatient department and inpatient department of gynecology of our hospital from April 1, 2018 to August 23, 2021 were selected as the research objects. The reproductive tract secretions of all patients were examined by microecological examination, morphological examination, chemical analysis and microscopic examination, and the results of various indicators were statistically analyzed to draw relevant conclusions. Results: Among the 1498 women with vaginal micro- ecological imbalances, cleanliness was determined to be 534 cases of degree II, 868 cases of degree III, and 96 cases of degree IV;Nugent scores were 9 - 10 in 9 cases, 8 in 122 cases, 7 in 30 cases, 6 in 18 cases, 5 in 8 cases, 4 in 717 cases, 3 in 248 cases, 2 in 209 cases, 1 in 118 cases, and 0 in 19 cases. AV scores were 8 in 1 case, 7 in 1 case, 6 in 2 cases, 5 in 9 cases, 4 in 84 cases, 3 in 207 cases, 2 in 850 cases, 1 in 284 cases, and 0 in 60 cases. Among the pathogen infections, 99 cases were mycoplasma, 361 cases were candida, 199 cases were bacterial and 8 cases were trichomonas;In chemical analysis, there were 138 cases with pH 5.1, 326 cases with pH 4.8, 775 cases with pH 4.6, 217 cases with pH 4.4, and 42 cases with pH 4.1;meanwhile, 1390 cases were positive for hydrogen peroxide, 505 cases were positive for glucosidase, 487 cases were positive for acetylglucosaminidase, 184 cases were positive for sialidase, 290 cases were positive for proline amino-peptidase, 501 cases were positive for coagulase, and 1064 cases were positive for leukocyte esterase. Conclusion: Female reproductive tract microecology is more complex, and the pathogens of infection are also diverse. A systematic examination can clarify the occurrence and development of the disease, and then provide reliable laboratory data for clinical treatment and guide clinical medication.
文摘Objective: To understand the prevalence of RTIs/STIs, the incidence of sex violence and the KAP of the sex and reproductive health among unmarried floating young women.Methods: During Ocb.2002 to Feb.2003, in the maternal and child health hospital of Beijing, Shenzhen, Nanning and Zhengzhou, 1,219 unmarried floating young women who wanted termination of pregnancy and was under 24 years old before induced abortion received gynecological and laboratory examination. At the same time, they also answered a self-questionnaire. Results: The mean age of all respondents was (22.0±1.6) years old. The respondents' average age of having first sexual activity was (20.3±1.8) years old. The rate of induced abortion history was 38.7%. 17.5% of young women had never used contraception. The incidence of sex violence was 15.6%. The prevalence of RTIs and STIs was 56.1% and 9.7%, respectively. Young women were lack of the knowledge about reproductive health care. Conclusions: The reproductive health situation of unmarried floating young women was serious, especially on sex violence and RTIs/STIs and higher rate of induced abortion.
文摘The male and female reproductive tracts are complex microenvironments that have diverse functional demands. The immune system in the reproductive tract has the demanding task of providing a protective environment for a fetal allograft while simultaneously conferring protection against potential pathogens. As such, it has evolved a unique set of adaptations, primarily under the influence of sex hormones, which make it distinct from other mucosal sites. Here, we discuss the various components of the immune system that are present in both the male and female reproductive tracts, including innate soluble factors and cells and humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immunity under homeostatic conditions. We review the evidence showing unique phenotypic and functional characteristics of immune cells and responses in the male and female reproductive tracts that exhibit compartmentalization from systemic immunity and discuss how these features are influenced by sex hormones. We also examine the interactions among the reproductive tract, sex hormones and immune responses following HIV-1 infection. An improved understanding of the unique characteristics of the male and female reproductive tracts will provide insights into improving clinical treatments of the immunological causes of infertility and the design of prophylactic interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
文摘Introduction:Worldwide,women perform a variety of vaginal practices to enhance their intimate hygiene and sexual health.Objective:To conduct a systematic review to assess the different kinds of intimate hygiene practices and their association with reproductive tract infections and complications.Methods:PubMed,Medline and The Cochrane Library were used.Both observational and interventional studies targeting the urogenital infections and their association with hygiene practices were included.Exclusion criteria included studies that assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards intimate hygiene practices rather than their relation to infections.The design of this systematic review complied with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA).Results:Fifteen articles were included.Intravaginal practices were found to be associated with reproductive tract infections.Reusable absorbent material used during menstruation increased the risk of Candida infection with an adjusted proportional reported ratio(aPRR)of 1.54(95%CI 1.2–2.0),but no association with bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas vaginalis infection was noted.Bathing or vaginal washing during menstruation with water only showed a higher association with symptoms of urogenital infections when compared with washing with both soap and water during menstruation.Drying reusable pads inside the house and storing them inside the toilet was found to be associated with a higher candida infection prevalence.Moreover,bathing in sitting position during menstruation,not drying the genital area or using cloth for drying it,and not paying attention to hand washing,were all associated with a higher risk of genital infections.Finally,postpartum use of native homemade vaginal preparations might be a risk factor for ascending vaginal infections,and the use of inappropriate material for menstrual blood absorption was associated with secondary infertility.Conclusion:Several hygiene practices put women at higher risk for reproductive tract infections.We should continue to increase awareness to counter the misinformation resulting from marketing campaigns and common misconceptions.
文摘Objective: This study aims to explore the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (CT) combined with TCT detection in cervical cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a total of 609 women who came to seek medical treatment were recruited as the study subjects. Combination testing was evaluated on cervical cancer screening by testing the women for HPV, CT with TCT detection and analyzing the relationship of cervical lesions with HPV and CT infection. Results: The study results showed that 21.57% of the subjects were infected with both HPV and CT, and 48.42% of the cases had abnormal TCT results at the same time. Further data analysis showed that HPV infection was significantly associated with abnormal TCT outcomes (p < 0.05), suggesting a possible synergistic effect of the two infections in cervical lesions. The combined sensitivity and specificity of HPV, CT and TCT detection were 21.57% and 48.42%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of single detection. Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study support the importance of combined HPV, CT, and TCT testing in cervical cancer screening, and propose the hypothesis that combined testing may improve screening effectiveness. However, further large sample studies are needed to confirm this conclusion and explore the prospects of combined testing in clinical practice.