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Risk factors of cervical intraepithelial lesion in Douala-Cameroon: Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Chlamydia Trachomatis and Treponema Pallidum

NRR Dongang, MML Koanga, NAR Ngono, M Wankam, NG Djiakam, B Djimeli, E Fossi, EC Brulet, PH Amvam Zollo

 

Abstract

Infection with high risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) such as HPVs 16 and 18 is the main cause of cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), Treponema pallidum and some sexual behaviour on malignant progression of cervical lesion in Douala, Cameroon. From July 2009 to January 2010, we performed routine cervical smears to 163 consenting women, who completed a questionnaire on risk factors of cervical cancer. Blood samples were obtained for each of these women and used for the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. Results obtained showed that 26/163 (17 LSIL and 9 HSIL) of women had abnormal cytology, 75.5% (123/163) had HSV 2 infection, 19% (31/163) infected by Chlamydia trachomatis and 4.3% (7/163) infected by Treponema pallidum. Among the LSIL-positive women 35.3% (6/17) and 94.1% (16/17) were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis and HSV 2 respectively. Among those with HSIL cytology, 22.2% (2/9), 66.7% (6/9) and 11.1% (1/9) respectively had Chlamydia trachomatis, HSV 2 and Treponema pallidum. High parity and pregnancy rate was observed among women with positive cytology. Our finding shown high rate of cervical abnormalities among women infected with HSV 2; and among those with a higher number of parities and pregnancies. These results suggest that further investigations should be made in Cameroon to access real burden of these risk factors in the progression and persistence of cervical lesion.

Key words: risk factors, cervical cancer, HSV 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infections.

Risk factors of cervical intraepithelial lesion in Douala-Cameroon Implications of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Chlamydia Trachomatis and Treponema Pallidum

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The role of genital chlamydial infection in acute pelvic inflammatory disease

O K Obunge, C T John

 

Abstract

The polymicrobial nature of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) underscores the need for a clearer understanding of the pathogenesis and etiology of PID especially among core groups most at risk. This study was designed to determine the role of specific microbial infections in leading to PID among women. Prevalence of genital chlamydial infection and other reproductive tract infections were determined in 100 women presenting at a health facility at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The result showed that 11.1 per cent of women with acute PID were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis as compared to 4.3 per cent in the control group (odds ratio 2.75: 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-11.7). Neiserria gonorrhoeae was not detected in either of the two groups. Trichomoniasis (10% in PID cases and no case in control group) and bacterial vaginosis (17.5% and 4.3% in PID and control group respectively: Odds ratio 4.7, 95% CI, 1.0-21.1) were also significantly associated with the clinical picture suggestive of acute PID. It is recommended that where resources are limited, patients presenting with acute PID be treated empirically for Chlamydia trachomatis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and gonorrhoea.

Keywords: : Pelvic inflammatory disease, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neiserria gonorrhoeae, Bacteria vaginosis, Trichomoniasis

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 8 (1) 2007: pp. 23-27