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The aim of this study was to evaluate microflora of the vaginal part of the cervix uteri (including high-oncogenic HPV types and C. trachomatis) in women with ASCUS, LSIL comparing with women with normal cytology. The results demonstrated that infections with high-oncogenic HPV types and C. trachomatis don't reduce significantly Lactobacillus spp.

Atopobium vaginae was described in 1999 by Rodriguez et al. It is a Gram-positive bacterium producing organic acids (lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid) as a results of glucose fermentation. It was first found in vaginal swab taken from a healthy woman using 16S rRNA analysis. A. vaginae is associated with bacterial vaginosis and its consequences in upper part of women reproductive organs.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of C.trachomatis and HPV infections in teenage, sexually active girls., Material and Methods: 48 non-pregnant, sexually active young women (between 16-19 years of age), who submitted for periodical check-up during oral contraceptive use. Patients had periodical mild pain in the lower abdominal area and increased amount of mucigenous secretion. They had their first sexual intercourse before 16 years of age, multiple partners (>3), unprotected intercourse. The direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was used for C. trachomatis antigen detection (Chlamydia Direct IF (bioMérieux, France). DNA HPV presence and oncogenic potential was assessed using hybridization method (Hybrid Capture I HPV Assay, Digene Corp. Beltsville, MD U.S.A.)., Results: C. trachomatis antigen was detected in 13 aut of 48 swabs (27%), presence of HPV DNA was detected in 2 teenage girls with normal cytology (4.2%). In cytological evaluation LSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) was described in 5 cases. In 4 of them along with LSIL coexisted C. trachomatis infection.

Infection of genito-urinary tract, caused by C. trachomatis are common worldwide. In countries, where screening diagnosis and effective treatment programmes were introduced decreasing level of infections and their complications were described. Because C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium, very often infections are asymptomatic, although complications of symptomatic and asymptomatic infections are the same. Classically diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection is made based on culture in Mc Coy cells. C. trachomatis antigen is detected by DIF and EIA. Amplification technique play very important role in diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection. In this article we analysed laboratory diagnostic tools of urogenital chlamydiosis based on literature data and own experiences.

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether in women with chlamydial cervicitis urogenital mycoplasmas and group B streptococci (GBS) colonization is found more often than among women with non-chlamydial cervicitis. This study included 351 (mean age 31.7 +/- 6.82) not pregnant, menstruating, sexually active women. We confirmed a high frequency (49.3%) of C. trachomatis infection among women with cervicitis. Cervical ectopia was confirmed in 26.5% of examined women, in half of them ectopia was associated with chlamydial infection. We did not notice differences in frequency of colonization by urogenital mycoplasmas and GBS among women with chlamydial and non-chlamydial cervicitis.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between Chlamydia trachomatis, urogenital mycoplasmas and Low Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL) in women with and without Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection., Materials and Methods: The specimens were tested for: carcinogenic HPV by the Hybrid Capture I Assay, Chlamydia trachomatis antigen by direct immunofluorescence, urogenital mycoplasmas by Mycoplasma IS test. Cytological smears were classified according to the Bethesda system., Results: High-oncogenic HPV types, Chlamydia trachomatis and mixed infections with Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in patients with LSIL occur significantly more frequently comparing to women without dysplasia. Statistically significant correlation between C. trachomatis and presence of HPV was determined. In HPV negative women there was no correlation between C. trachomatis and LSIL., Conclusion: In women infected with HPV, especially high-oncogenic types, C. trachomatis test should be included in diagnostic-therapeutic routine scheme.

In chemical plant workers producing pesticides chronic bronchitis and disturbed pulmonary ventilation are frequent. The aim of the examination of the staff (sewage-treatment plant, waste combustion plant, waste storage, industrial water pumping station)--16 males aged 21-53 years--was to assess: 1. Connective tissue metabolism--serum concentration of type I and III procollagen propeptides, collagen I telopeptide, hydroxyproline, alpha1-AP and alpha2-M antiproteases, interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) activity, as well as urine hydroxyproline and desmosine. 2. Free radical damage--serum malonic dialdehyde (TBARS) and ceruloplasmin concentration, erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR), and neutrophils myeloperoxidase reaction. 3. Humoral (serum IgG, A and M, C3 complement component and the circulating immune complexes) and cellular (percentage of CD3, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes) immunity rates. As compared to controls the following changes were found: 1. decreased MMP-1 activity and increased alpha2-M serum concentration; 2. increased erythrocyte SOD and GPx activities; 3. decreased percentage of T lymphocytes (CD3), increased serum concentration of the C3 complement component and the circulating immune complexes. The results were compared with those in workers of the departments producing liquid pesticides, dust pesticides and chlorfenvinphose, the changes of the investigated parameters were found to be less expressed.

Microorganisms causing respiratory system infections, mainly viruses but also bacteria, among which there are atypical such as Chlamydophila pneumoniae, play a role in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is suggested to take part in the initiation and the bronchial asthma exacerbation. The aim of the paper was to determine the frequency of occurrence of anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies in serum of patients suffering from bronchial asthma in comparison with the control group of healthy persons. The presence of IgG, IgM and IgA class anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies was assessed by immunoenzymatic assay ELISA. Serologic markers of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were more frequently observed in patients with bronchial asthma (15%) than in the control group (5.13%). The diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is especially important in patients with bronchial asthma. The pathogen causing bronchial hyperreactivity is eliminated by the appropriate antibiotic therapy, which allows reducing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids. The immunoenzymatic assay determining the level and class of specific antibodies to find mycoplasmatic infection quickly and precisely.

Chronic bacterial infections intensify the reactivity of bronchi and aggravate the course and the control of asthma. They cause the disorders of both function and the structure of respiratory epithelium. Not only structural elements of bacteria but also their toxins intensify the release of mediators of the inflammatory reaction (leucotriens, histamine, IL1, IL4, IL6, IL8, TNF alpha). The aim of our research is to determine the prevalence of microorganisms, which can have an influence on the course of asthma. Moraxella catarrhalis has been the most frequent isolated pathogen (23.7%) in patients with bronchial asthma. We have received only individual isolations of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae strains. Bacterial flora of the upper respiratory tract in patients with bronchial asthma has been more diverse in comparison with microflora of airways in healthy subjects. The significant percentage of Candida isolation in asthmatics (over 30% in bronchial tree secretion) poses the high risk of incidence of mycotic complications of inhaled steroids. In patients with asthma bronchial tree secretion is more valuable diagnostic material than pharyngeal swab.

Background: Exposure to pesticides may affect humoral and cell-mediated immunity., Material and Methods: The study group was composed of 24 men employed in the production of dust pesticides and 23 females performing ancillary jobs under conditions of lower pesticide exposure. Chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 10 males (41.7%) and 13 females (56.5%). The workers were exposed to: triazines, carbamates and dithiocarbamates, carbendazim, captan, dodine, dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), and cupric oxychloride. Silica, kaolin, chalk, and talc were used as carriers. The average workplace air concentrations of pesticides did not exceed the MAC. The serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A and M, complement component C3, and circulating immune complexes (CIC) were estimated. The peripheral blood leukocyte count and percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 lymphocytes were evaluated., Results: IgA and CIC concentrations in the female group were higher as compared to controls, whereas the percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8 cells was significantly lower, as opposed to an increased percentage of CD19 cells. The male group showed lower CIC concentrations, and the C3 complement component level was significantly higher. The decreased percentage of CD3 cells was accompanied by a higher CD19 cells ratio. The white blood cell count was higher in the males. No significant changes were found in other immunity parameters., Conclusions: The results of the study showed changes in some components of humoral and cellular immunity, which may influence damage to the respiratory system.

The aim of the study was to pay attention to the frequency and consequences of Parvovirus B19 infection and observation of IL-6 and IL-12 concentrations in pregnant women who have or have not undergone parvovirus infection. In 32 pregnant women in their first or the next pregnancy with the imminent abortion IgM and IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19 and serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-12 were determined using ELISA test. Parvovirus infection was diagnosed in 14 patients, abortion occurred in 5 cases and in 1 case fetal dystrophy was found. In the group of 18 noninfected pregnant women all the pregnancies were finished by healthy newborn delivery. Statistical analysis showed significant increase of IL-6 and IL-12 concentrations in patients infected by parvovirus in comparison to the noninfected group. The estimation of IL-6 concentration may be helpful in evaluation of existing intrauterine inflammation. The concentration of IL-12 should be analysed taking under consideration its role in the cytokine network.

Numerous publications pointing the role of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma have appeared in recent years. Up to the presence the diagnostics of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infections has been based on the serological examinations especially on indirect microimmunofluorescence which is regarded to be a "gold standard". The aim of the paper was to compare the occurrence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection serological markers in the group of patients with asthma (N = 38) and in the control group (N = 38). The obtained results have allowed making the following conclusions: 1. The increased level of IgG class anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the group of patients with asthma, which proves more frequent contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae in that group, seems to support the hypothesis about the role of chlamydial infections in etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma. 2. The single assessment of anti-Chlamydophila pneumoniae antibodies in the ELISA test has not allowed determining the type of chlamydial infection in unambiguous way. However, with reference to the entire clinical picture, the statement of the contact with Chlamydophila pneumoniae can be helpful especially in the treatment of severe asthma.

Our earlier investigations of people exposed to chlorfenvinphos revealed obstructive impairment of pulmonary function and changes in collagen metabolism. In order to evaluate the role of interleukin-1 beta in the development of these changes the serum interleukin-1 beta concentration and the ability of spontaneous and LPS stimulated production of interleukin-1 beta by monocytes were determined in 25 males aged 33-54 years and employed at the department producing chlorfenvinphos (its air concentration did not exceed permissible levels). Higher spontaneous production of interleukin-1 beta was found; the remaining parameters did not differ significantly as compared to the control group of 23 healthy males.

In order to assess the immunological system of the chemical plant workers certain rates of cellular and humoral immunity were estimated. The study group was composed of 19 males employed in the production of liquid pesticides, and 18 females performing ancillary jobs and handling closed containers. They were alternatively exposed to phosphoroorganic compounds and pyrethroides, and to chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates, nitrophenols and organic solvents, however exposure to the latter was lower. Chronic bronchitis was observed in 7 (37%) males and 4 (22%) females. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A and M, complement protein Cs, and circulating immune complexes were estimated. The peripheral blood leukocyte count and percentage, the granulocyte adherence and phagocytic activity, spontaneous NBT-dye reduction as well as cytochemical reactions to alkaline and acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase of neutrophils were evaluated; the lymphocyte subpopulations CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16 were also estimated. As compared to controls, a significantly increased serum IgG concentration was found, together with elevated IgM in males and IgA in females. The leukocyte count in males was significantly higher. A considerable decrease in the percentage of neutrophils was accompanied by a significantly greater spontaneous NBT-dye reduction in both groups. Neutrophil adherence impairment was observed in males. Cytochemical reactions to beta-glucuronidase and catalase in both sexes, to alkaline and acid phosphatase in females, and to myeloperoxidases in males were significantly lowered, whereas the reaction to acid phosphatase in males was significantly enhanced. The percentages of lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly decreased.

The authors investigated the incidence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in 52 patients with acquired valvular heart disease (VHD) and in 50 control blood donors. There was a statistically significant relationship between the CIC occurrence in patients with VHD and the presence of an active process in endocardium. However, no relation was found between the presence of CIC and heart operations, enucleation of palatine tonsils and the past history of rheumatic disease. The authors conclude that CIC investigation is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with VHD and in those suspected of active infective endocarditis (IE). The obtained results confirm the presence of an immune factor in the etiopathogenesis of IE leading to VHD. However, they do not explain the implantation of the inflammatory process in the heart valves.