title: Actinomyces israelii in the genital tract of women with and without intra-uterine contraceptive devices.
abstract: Actinomycosis involving the female genital tract is more common among IUD users than others. The diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. It has been suggested that the finding of Actinomyces-like organisms or A. israelii in cervical smears indicates a risk of developing actinomycosis. A. israelii has not been regarded as a part of the indigenous genital flora. A group of IUD users without symptoms of genital tract infections were compared with a control group without IUDs. No Actinomyces-like organisms were found on cytological examination of cervical smears. Immunofluorescent staining and cultures identified A. israelii in 4% of the IUD users and in 3% of the non-users. Serologic precipitin tests for actinomycosis were negative in all women. None developed actinomycosis on follow-up of positive cases. The study indicates that A. israelii is a commensal of the female genital tract. The identification of A. israelii alone does not indicate that the patient risks developing actinomycosis. Other methods such as a serology test should be useful in defining the clinical significance of the findings.
mesh_terms: D000190:Actinomyces / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000328:Adult; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014626:Vaginal Smears