title: Microbiological profile and biofilm formation on removed intrauterine contraceptive devices from a sample of Egyptian women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of biofilm formation around intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and to correlate the microbiological profile of the IUCD-associated genital infections to the microbiological profile of specimens retrieved from vaginal discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples of the vaginal discharge in the posterior fornix were collected from 50 women attending the Family Planning Clinic in Ain Shams University Hospital using two high vaginal swabs. Swabs were immediately sent for Gram staining as well as microbiological culture. The IUCD was then removed. A 0.5-cm piece of the removed IUCD was cut and sent for culture. Growing colonies were tested for their abilities to form a biofilm (colorimetric method). Another 0.5-cm piece of the removed IUCD was examined by electron microscopy (EM) for detection of biofilm formation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the included 50 women, 24 (48%) women showed biofilm formation (via colorimetric methods). EM scanning was able to detect biofilm formation in the prepared pieces of the removed IUCD of 48 (96%) women. There was no significant agreement between the isolated microorganisms on the removed IUCD and the vaginal swab (proportion of agreement was 14 [11.4%]; κ = -0.089, P = 0.892).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scanning EM is a useful tool in detection of biofilm formation on removed IUCD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdel-Hafeez
authors.forename: Nabegh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: El-Mehallaway
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Khalil
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abdallah
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elnaggar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018441:Biofilms; D020878:Device Removal; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000382:microbiology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Egypt; biofilm; colorimetric; electron microscopy; intrauterine contraceptive device