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The authors report on a recently published review article on the approach to vulvovaginitis through flowcharts, taking into account the peculiarities of each service, according to the diagnostic methods that are available.

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women is vertiginously raising. The virus mainly affects women at the reproductive phase, and the presence of genital co-infections is very common.[...]

BackgroundVaginitis is the most common gynecologic diagnosis in primary care, and most women have at least one episode during their lives. The need for standardized strategies to diagnose and treat vaginitis, both in primary care and among gynecologists, is emphasized. The Brazilian Group for Vaginal Infections (GBIV, acronym in Portuguese) aimed to update the practical approach to affected women by reviewing and discussing recent literature, and developing algorithms for diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis.MethodsA literature search within biomedical databases PubMed and SCieLo was conducted in January 2022. The available literature was evaluated by three experienced researchers, members of the GBIV, to summarize the main data and develop practical algorithms.Results and conclusionDetailed algorithms were developed with the main goal to improve gynecological practice considering different scenarios and access to diagnostic tools, from the simplest to the most complex tests. Different age groups and specific contexts were also considered. The combination of anamnesis, gynecological examination, and complementary tests remains the basis of a proper diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Periodic updates of these algorithms are warranted as new evidence becomes available.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the seroprevalence of positive markers for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) I and II, human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) I and II, and hepatitis B and C among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis among patients who underwent IVF, between January 2013 and February 2016, and who had complete screening records. Results We analyzed 1,008 patients who underwent IVF, amounting to 2,445 cycles. Two patients (0.2%) tested positive for HIV I and II and none for HTLV I and II. Three patients (0.3%) had positive screening for syphilis, and two (0.2%) had positive hepatitis C antibody test (anti-HCV). A positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HbsAg) test was observed in 4 patients (0.4%), while 47 (4.7%) patients were positive for IgG antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgG), and only 1 (0.1%) was positive for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HbC IgM). The anti-HbS test was negative in 659 patients (65.3%). Only 34.7% of the patients had immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. Patients with an anti-HbS negative result were older than those with a hepatitis B test (anti-HbS) positive result (36.3 versus 34.9; p

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection is a prevalent infection occurring during pregnancy. The implementation of a program to screen and prevent vertical transmission is highly important in Public Healthcare. Pregnant crack users could face difficulties to test and adhere to the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Objective: The purpose of this research paper was to investigate whether crack cocaine abuse increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus perinatal transmission rates, as well as to evaluate the risk factors associated with such an increase. Methods: Design: A retrospective study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Universidade Federal do Paraná. Population: pregnancies of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive women who were using crack cocaine (n=64) were compared with that of non-users (n=826) from 2005 to 2013. Prenatal medical records, delivery records, and newborn records were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: The vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the group of crack cocaine users was 9.37% (6) versus 2.54% (21) among non-users (p=0.009744). Results: Over the years of the study, there was a decrease in the vertical transmission rate in non-users, while this number remained constant in the group of users. When analyzing the cases of perinatal transmission, it was found that 83.34% (5) had inadequate prenatal care, and 100% (6) had inadequate Human Immunodeficiency Virus treatment, compared to the group in which there was no vertical transmission, where 65.52% (38) had inadequate prenatal care and 70.86% (41) had inadequate treatment. Conclusion: Vertical transmission is higher among crack cocaine users and did not decrease over the years of the study, as occurred among non-users. Trends that explain this increase were non-adherence to adequate prenatal care, Human Immunodeficiency Virus diagnosis during pregnancy, irregular treatment, absence of intrapartum antiretroviral prophylaxis, and vaginal delivery route.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, few papers describe the placenta’s morphological and morphometrical features in SARS-CoV-2–positive pregnant women. Alterations, such as low placental weight, accelerated villous maturation, decidual vasculopathy, infarcts, thrombosis of fetal placental vessels, and chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI), have been described.ObjectiveTo analyze clinical data and the placental morphological and morphometric changes of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 group) in comparison with the placentas of non-infected pregnant women, matched for maternal age and comorbidities, besides gestational age of delivery (Control group).MethodThe patients in the COVID-19 and the Control group were matched for maternal age, gestational age, and comorbidities. The morphological analysis of placentas was performed using Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement. The quantitative morphometric evaluation included perimeter diameter and number of tertiary villi, number of sprouts and knots, evaluation of deposition of villous fibrin, and deposition of intra-villous collagen I and III by Sirius Red. Additionally, Hofbauer cells (HC) were counted within villi by immunohistochemistry with CD68 marker.ResultsCompared to controls, symptomatic women in the COVID-19 group were more likely to have at least one comorbidity, to evolve to preterm labor and infant death, and to have positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing in their concepts. Compared to controls, placentas in the COVID-19 group were more likely to show features of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion. In the COVID-19 group, placentas of symptomatic women were more likely to show CHI. No significant results were found after morphometric analysis.ConclusionPregnant women with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly with the severe course, are more likely to exhibit an adverse fetal outcome, with slightly more frequent histopathologic findings of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, and CHI. The morphometric changes found in the placentas of the COVID-19 group do not seem to be different from those observed in the Control group, as far as maternal age, gestational age, and comorbidities are paired. Only the deposition of villous fibrin could be more accentuated in the COVID-19 group (p = 0.08 borderline). The number of HC/villous evaluated with CD68 immunohistochemistry did not show a difference between both groups.

Abstract This article addresses human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, one of the topics covered by the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects and guidelines for health service managers and health workers about diagnosing and treating people with papillomavirus infection. This theme is a significant public health issue since it is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, capable of triggering the oncogenic process of cervical cancer and the possibility of anogenital warts. Important information is presented for gaining knowledge about HPV and action strategies for infection prevention and control, provision of quality care, and effective treatment of the disease.

Abstract Infections that cause cervicitis are a topic presented in the "Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections", published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The document was developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with experts. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects of infections that cause cervicitis and recommendations on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of affected people and their sexual partnerships. Also, it discusses strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of these infections for health professionals and health service managers involved in the programmatic and operational management of sexually transmitted infections. Expanding access to diagnostic tests and early treatment are crucial for controlling the spread of pathogens that cause cervicitis.

Abstract The topic of vaginal discharge is one of the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Health Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The chapter has been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects associated with vaginal discharge conditions, as well as guidance to health service managers and health professionals. Screening, diagnosing, and treating these conditions, the main complaints among women seeking health services, caused by infectious or non-infectious factors, also are presented. Besides, information is presented on surveillance, prevention, and control actions to promote knowledge of the problem and provide quality care and effective treatment.

Resumo O artigo aborda a infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (human papillomavirus, HPV), tema constitutivo do Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões e consenso entre especialistas. São apresentados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos, bem como orientações para os gestores e profissionais de saúde no diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção da infecção pelo HPV. Este tema representa importante problema de saúde pública, haja vista essa infecção sexualmente transmissível ser a mais prevalente no mundo, capaz de desencadear o processo oncogênico do câncer do colo uterino, além de possibilitar a ocorrência de verrugas anogenitais. Neste artigo, são apresentadas informações importantes para o conhecimento do HPV, estratégias de ação para a prevenção e controle da infecção, uma assistência de qualidade e tratamento efetivo da doença.

Resumo O tema corrimento vaginal é um dos capítulos que compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Neste artigo, são apresentados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos relacionados às situações de corrimento vaginal, bem como orientações aos gestores e profissionais de saúde na triagem, diagnóstico e tratamento desses agravos, que constituem uma das principais queixas entre mulheres que procuram serviços de saúde e que podem ser causados por fatores infecciosos ou não infecciosos. Além disso, são apresentadas informações sobre estratégias para as ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle, a fim de promover o conhecimento do problema e a oferta de assistência de qualidade e tratamento efetivo.

The incidence of 16,370 new cases of cervical cancer was recorded in Brazil during the year of 2018 with 5,000 deaths1. Regarding the low coverage of HPV vaccination in Brazil, we decided to write this letter to show that maybe there are some benefits of this vaccine beyond the oncogenesis process. This news could be increasing the motivation for vaccination. [...]

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) cause infections in the female genital tract, increasing susceptibility to and infectiousness of HIV. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CT and GC infection among HIV-infected women in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted from March to December 2015, including HIV-infected women attending referral centers in nine states of Brazil, aged 18–49 years, nonpregnant. An interview was conducted including socio-demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics. After the interview, gynecological examination was conducted to collect cervical cytology and vaginal secretion to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae tests through molecular biology. Results: A total of 802 (89.1%) women participated. The prevalence of CT was 2.1% (17/802) and CG was 0.9% (7/802). The prevalence of a positive test for both CT and/or GC was 2.7%. The factors associated with positive CT/GC test in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were abnormal Papanicolau smear (OR 4.1; 95% CI: 1.54–11.09) and the presence of abnormal cervical discharge (OR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.02–6.71). Among 377 women who reported previous STI 245 (65.0%) reported using condom more frequently after being diagnosed. 62 (16.4%) discovered the STI after the partner told he was infected; 157 (41.6%) had STI symptoms and looked for care, and 158 (41.9%) discovered it in a routine consultation for another reason. Conclusions: The control of STI represents a unique opportunity to improve reproductive health of women living with HIV. STI diagnosis can change their behavior and reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and bacterial STI. Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HIV, Women, Brazil

Mycoplasmas belong to the Mollicutes classification. The first species was discovered in 1898 by Nocaard & Roux in a case of pneumonia. In this classification four species have a higher impact on a bovine pneumonia case. The Ureaplasma genus focusing on the Urealiticum and Parvum species may be related with problems during pregnancy or even with perinatal impact(1), whereas the Mycoplasmas genus represented by the hominis and the genitalium species are more related to disturbances in the genitals, but can also have an impact on pregnancy(1). Among these, Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) stands out regarding its pathogenicity, especially the growing resistance to antibiotics as shown in recent studies(2,3). [...]

Introduction: Adolescence is marked by emotional, social and physical changes. In this stage of development, vulnerable individuals tend to engage in risk behaviors related to the use of alcohol and drugs as well as unprotected sex. Objective: To evaluate the attitude of university students with regard to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the influence of the university environment in this behavior. Methods: Standardized questionnaires were applied anonymously in classrooms by a trained team. The first group of respondents was made up of freshmen (first year college students) while the second group was composed of seniors (fourth year students) from 11 of the areas of the Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR). From a total of 1,459 respondents, 1,350 were included. The questionnaire applied was based on the Pesquisa de Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Práticas na População Brasileira de 15 a 64 anos (PCAP - Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among the Brazilian Population aged from 15 to 64 years) of 2008, conducted by the STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatites Sector of the Health Surveillance Department of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The questionnaire was modified and adapted to the survey on vulnerability to AIDS/HIV infection, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy among UFPR students. Results: Of the 1,350 students covered, 1,070 (79.2%) had already had sexual intercourse at least once in their lives (74.9% of freshmen and 86.8% of seniors). 76.3% of female respondents and 82.7% of males had already started their sexual life. Out of the the 507 freshmen who had vaginal sex, 42.0% did not wear a condom, compared to 56.7% of 363 seniors (p

Introdução: a bactéria Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) é um dos principais agentes responsáveis por desfechos desfavoráveis em parturientes acometidas por doenças sexualmente transmissíveis no Brasil. Está envolvida com parto prematuro, rotura prematura de membranas, gestação ectópica e aborto recorrente, bem como com conjuntivite e pneumonia no recém-nascido. A prevalência da infecção é variável conforme o método utilizado e a população em estudo. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência da infecção por CT em parturientes jovens, entre 18 e 24 anos, admitidas no pronto-atendimento da Maternidade Victor Ferreira do Amaral; caracterizar comportamentos de risco através da avaliação dos dados epidemiológicos; identificar os determinantes de infecção por CT na população estudada. Métodos: na etapa do trabalho realizada em Curitiba – PR, os objetivos englobaram a estimativa da prevalência da infecção por CT em parturientes jovens entre 18 e 24 anos admitidas no pronto-atendimento da Maternidade Victor Ferreira no Amaral do Departamento de Tocoginecologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná, que atende população de gestantes de baixo risco, bem como a caracterização do comportamento de risco para a infecção na população estudada. Esse estudo faz parte de uma pesquisa multicêntrica, de âmbito nacional, transversal, cuja coleta de dados foi realizada no período compreendido entre julho de 2009 e janeiro de 2010. Amostras de urina foram coletadas durante a internação e analisadas pelo método de PCR, para identificação da bactéria. Além disso, foi aplicado um questionário abrangendo dados sociodemográficos, gineco-obstétricos e de comportamento de risco para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Resultados: nos resultados obtidos, das 65 amostras de urina coletadas nesta maternidade, quatro mostraram-se positivas para CT, revelando uma prevalência de 6,15%. Fatores de risco para DST, como a presença de início da atividade sexual precoce, bem como a baixa idade, tiveram relação positiva com a infecção. Conclusão: a prevalência da infecção foi inferior à obtida em outras populações de gestantes por métodos que usaram a coleta endocervical; os fatores de risco foram a ausência de parceiro sexual fixo, baixa idade e concomitância com outras DST; a pesquisa de CT em gestante é justificável e necessária.

Introdução: as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) são uma questão que preocupa os órgãos gestores da saúde. Apesar de as pesquisas mostrarem um aumento na conscientização da população para a prevenção com o uso de preservativos, a cada ano aumenta o número de pacientes infectados por doenças de transmissão sexual. Felizmente, para algumas destas doenças, já foi possível desenvolver vacinas, como o caso da hepatite B e do HPV. Entretanto, para outras doenças como a aids, as pesquisas mostram-se distantes de apresentar resultado conclusivo. Conclusão: a utilização de vacinas tem- se apresentado como uma tendência nesta área, e vem sendo apontada como uma das soluções mais viáveis para a prevenção e mesmo para o tratamento destas entidades no futuro.

Este artigo consiste em uma revisão do tema associação entre o papilomavírus humano (HPV) e o câncer peniano. Por meio de uma pesquisa funda-mentada em periódicos eletrônicos e livros de clínicas médica e cirúrgica, confirmou-se essa associação, principalmente em se tratando dos subtiposbasalóide e verrucoso de câncer peniano. Chan et al.1encontraram 15,0% de associação entre o HPV e o câncer peniano, enquanto no estudo feito porTornesello et al.2essa percentagem foi de 46,3%. Os principais tipos de HPV envolvidos no aparecimento da doença foram o 16 e o 18. Apesar des-sas conclusões, a carência de dados e o caráter recente do tema requerem novos estudos para esclarecimentos. A relação da presença do HPV com asobrevida do paciente ainda é tema que permanece em investigação.

Embora estejam freqüentemente incluídas em textos sobreDST, a candidíase e a vaginose bacteriana não são transmitidaspor esta via. Também não existe qualquer comprovação de que otratamento do parceiro traga algum benefício para a paciente nes-tas situações. Ao que parece, também não existiria benefíciodeste tratamento nem mesmo nas recidivas. Estas afirmaçõesestão fundamentadas e possuem embasamento científico.1,2,3Então, tratar o parceiro assintomático de mulher com candidíaseou vaginose recorrente não apresenta indicações consistentes.Entretanto, na presença da balanopostite por candida, o trata-mento é indicado, aliás, mesmo que sua parceira não apresente acandidíase, este deverá receber atenção adequada. [...]

Introdução: A infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) é uma preocupação mundial nos dias atuais, atingindo as pessoas princi-palmente em idade reprodutiva e tendo como uma de suas consequências a transmissão vertical. Objetivos: o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliara prevalência da infecção pelo HIV entre as gestantes atendidas no pré-natal da maternidade do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal doParaná no período de junho de 1997 a março de 1998. Métodos: participaram deste estudo 436 gestantes que foram submetidas aos testes anti-HIV.Resultados:foram encontradas nove pacientes com o teste positivo para o HIV, correspondendo a 2% do total. Destas, sete gestantes tinham sidoencaminhadas ao pré-natal por terem seu estado sorológico conhecido previamente. Quando expurgamos estes encaminhamentos, obtivemos um per-centual de 0,4%. Todas as gestantes foram submetidas a um questionário-padrão, no qual se procurou observar o perfil epidemiológico e seus quepudesse estar relacionado com a positividade para o HIV. As variáveis estudadas incluíam a idade da gestante, o número de gestações, a paridade, suaocupação, local de procedência e o número de parceiros sexuais. Também foi argüido sobre antecedentes de DST anterior, transfusão sanguínea ou ouso de drogas injetáveis. Para análise estatística, os dados foram alocados em tabelas de duas entradas: uma, relativa ao estado sorológico, e outra, àsvariáveis sociodemográficas acima descritas. A análise destas possíveis dependências foram testadas pelo teste de qui-quadrado, tendo como nível designificância um p < ou = a 0,05. Conclusão: os resultados foram significativos, quando associamos a soropositividade para o HIV nestas gestantes eos antecedentes de DST e drogadição.

Resumo As infecções que causam cervicite são um dos temas que compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Este artigo apresenta aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos das infecções que causam cervicite, bem como recomendações sobre a triagem, diagnóstico e tratamento das pessoas acometidas e suas parcerias sexuais. Além disso, discutem-se estratégias para as ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle desses agravos para os profissionais de saúde e gestores envolvidos no manejo programático e operacional das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. A ampliação do acesso aos testes para diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce são cruciais para o controle da disseminação dos patógenos causadores de cervicite.

Pregnant women (PW) are at a higher risk of diseases and hospitalization from viral respiratory infections, particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2, due to cardiopulmonary and immunological changes. This study assessed the impact of viral respiratory infections on PW hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a cross-sectional study with 42 PW and 85 non-pregnant women (NPW) admitted with SARI to two tertiary hospitals between January 2015 and December 2019. The rates of virus prevalence, SARI hospitalization, length of hospital stay, oxygen supplementation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death were comparable between PW and NPW. A multivariate analysis showed that PW had a higher rate of viral SARI hospitalizations (OR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.02–5.48) as compared to NPW, with the influenza virus being the most prevalent (aOR = 7.58; 95% CI = 1.53–37.66). The length of hospital stays (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.73–0.95) and admissions to the ICU (aOR = 0.028; 95% CI = 0.004–0.25) were lower in PW as compared to hospitalized NPW. The influenza virus had a greater impact on the frequency of SARI in the group of PW, and these had a better outcome than NPW due to the earlier antiviral treatment they received.

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida sp, may present with increased frequency and symptoms in immunocompromised patients, and there is concern about the diagnosis and adequate treatment of these patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of VVC compared to the immune status and species present in the microbiota of patients with HIV. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2018, including 97 women with HIV compared to a control group (n=112). For data collection, interviews were conducted, vaginal pH was measured, CD4+ T cells and viral load (VL) were evaluated, and vaginal secretions were collected for microscopy and culture. Results: The prevalence of VVC was 41.2% in seropositive patients and 3.6% in the control group (p

Objective: Characterize the risk factors associated with the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and determine the prevalence of High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in women without cytological abnormalities and women diagnose with CIN 2 and 3, living in metropolitan region Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. Materials and Methods: Case-control study consisting of 382 women without cytological abnormalities, 233 women with high-grade intraepithelial lesions, which were subdivided in 131 women with CIN 2 and 102 women with CIN 3 diagnose by histological analysis of the cervical segment conical excision material. The age range of the women in the study was 15-45 years old, collected in the period of 2009 to 2012. The detection of HR-HPV DNA was performed by Hybrid Capture 2 test (CH2). An epidemiological questionnaire assessed the risk factors associated with the presence of HR-HPV and CIN 2/3 in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test and Results: The HR-HPV was detected in 12.5% of controls, 87% in CIN 2 women and 93.1% in the CIN 3 women. Risk factors associated with the development of CIN were HR-HPV infection (OR = 62.054; 95% CI: 34.57-111.37), smoking (OR = 1.837, 95% CI: 1.061-3.178), use of hormonal contraceptives (OR = 1.845, 25 years old are the most susceptible to infection (p

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in women and can cause systemic repercussions. In pregnant women, for example, the occurrence of UTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) can lead to premature birth and fetal death. The generalized immune depletion caused by HIV is related to the exacerbation of infections, and may be related to UTI. Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the characteristics of UTI in pregnant and non-pregnant HIV-positive women as well as the factors that interfere in its occurrence. Methods: By searching the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo and Lilacs, we selected eleven articles that correlated UTI and HIV infection in women. Results: Our analysis showed that HIV-positive pregnant women have a higher predisposition to UTI than HIV-negative ones. The Viral Load (VL) is directly related to UTI and AB in HIV-positive nonpregnant women. TCD4 lymphocyte levels (TCD4) lower than 200 cells/mL and VL over 10,000 copies/mL are correlated with higher UTI and AB rates in HIV-positive pregnant women. There is a tendency for greater variability of pathogens in HIV-positive women and a predisposition to higher rates of antibiotic resistance in HIV-positive pregnant women. Conclusion: HIV-positive pregnant women have higher predisposition to urinary tract infection and its incidence is correlated with a high viral load and a low TCD4 count.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Brazilian opportunistic screening programs for cervical cancer have limited impact. In the regions of two cities (Campinas and Curitiba) with high human development indices, consistent information from 96-97% of all cervical cancer cases managed within the public healthcare system is available. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence rate (IR) and temporal trends in these regions, covering 2001-2012. DESIGN AND SETTING: A population-based cohort study was conducted under the assumption that all cervical cancer cases were managed in cancer referral center hospitals. METHODS: 3,364 records (1,646 from Campinas; 1,718 from Curitiba) were analyzed to provide estimates of IR, age-standardized IR (ASR) and cervical cancer trends (shown per 100,000 women/year). Longitudinal patterns were analyzed using linear regression and shown as annual percentage change (APC); P < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Annual IR and ASR estimates for cervical cancer ranged from 3.8 to 8.0 over 2001-2012, decreasing over more recent years, and were similar for the two regions. The age-specific IR was about 50% lower among women aged 45 years or older (IR-2001/IR-2012: Campinas = 14.8/8.0; Curitiba = 18.7/8.3; P < 0.001). There was an increasing APC trend in Campinas among women aged 15-24 years, and a decreasing IR trend for squamous-cell histology in both regions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer incidence estimates showed slowly decreasing trends in both regions, most evidently for women aged 45 years or older and for squamous-cell histology. These findings reflect the opportunistic nature of the population screening program, despite the comparatively high economic development level in the two regions.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the time trends and pattern of cervical cancer diagnosed in the period from 2001 to 2012 by means of an opportunistic screening program from two developed regions in Brazil. Methods An observational study analyzing 3,364 cancer records (n = 1,646 from Campinas and n = 1,718 from Curitiba region) available in hospital-based cancer registries was done. An additional 1,836 records of CIN3/AIS from the region of Campinas was analyzed. The statistical analysis assessed the pooled data and the data by region considering the year of diagnosis, age-group, cancer stage, and histologic type. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was applied and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results The total annual cervical cancer registered from2001 to 2012 showed a slight drop (273-244), with an age average of 49.5 y, 13 years over the average for CIN3/AIS (36.8 y). A total of 20.6% of the diagnoses (1.6% under 25 y) were done out of the official screening age-range. The biennial rate of diagnoses by age group for the region of Campinas showed an increase trend for the age groups under 25 y (p = 0.007) and 25 to 44 y (p = 0.003). Stage III was the most recorded for both regions, with an annual average of 43%, without any trend modification. There was an increasing trend for stage I diagnoses in the region of Campinas (p = 0.033). The proportion of glandular histologic types registered had an increased trend over time (p = 0.002), higher for the region of Campinas (21.1% versus 12.5% for the region of Curitiba). Conclusion The number, pattern and trends of cervical cancer cases registered had mild and slow modifications and reflect the limited effectivity of the opportunistic screening program, even in developed places.

Cervical cancer (CC) is related to HPV infection and represents the third cause of cancer in women. Annually, more than 500,000 new cases are reported worldwide, with significant death rates. It develops due to genetic and epigenetic alterations that control cell growth and differentiation, and may cause death. These alterations induce uncontrolled cell division and invasion of cervical tissue have severe consequences to women’s health(1). CC incidence and mortality drop considerably since the implementation of screening tests and vaccination strategies. Nevertheless, CC continues to have a high incidence, mainly in low-income countries, where these programs do not cover territorial frontiers and there is lack of resources to implement vaccination or screening tests. Oncogenic HPV types reached 25% of cases in Brazil over the last years(2), and there was no modification on HPV types after four years of the vaccination program, according to Tota et al.(3). Usually, screening tests in Brazil cover women from 25 to 64 years old. According to Teixeira et al.(4), rates of CC under the age of 25 tend to increase, and women over 64 achieved roughly 20% of CC on research of Brazilian women from two high-income cities. [...]

Background: MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, MAp-44, and MAp-19) are key factors in the activation of the lectin pathway of complement. Serum levels of these components have been associated with recurrence and poor survival of some types of cancer, such as colorectal and ovarian cancer. In this investigation, we determined the serum levels of MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, MAp-44, and MAp-19 in patients with cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).Methods:A total of 351 women who underwent screening for cervical cancer or treatment at the Erasto Gaertner Cancer Hospital in Curitiba-Brazil, were enrolled in the study. Based on their latest cervical colposcopy-guided biopsy results, they were divided into four groups: CIN-I: n = 52; CIN-II: n = 73; CIN-III: n = 141; and invasive cancer: n = 78. All the serum protein levels were determined by time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (TRIFMA).Results:Patients with invasive cancer presented significantly higher MASP-2, MASP-1, and MAp-19 serum levels than other groups (p < 0.0001; p = 0.012; p = 0.025 respectively). No statistically significant differences in MASP-3 and MAp-44 serum levels were found between the four studied groups. In addition, high MASP-2, MASP-1, and MAp-19 serum levels were significantly associated with poor survival in patients with invasive cancer and relapse (p = 0.002, p = 0.0035 and p = 0.025, respectively).Conclusion:High MASP-2, MASP-1, and MAp-19 serum levels were associated with cervical cancer progression and worse disease prognosis. These novel findings demonstrate the involvement of the serine proteases of the lectin pathway in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer and future investigations should clarify their role in the disease process.

In November of 2015, the Ministry of Health of Brazil published an announcement confirming the relationship between Zika virus and the microcephaly outbreak in the Northeast, suggesting that infected pregnant women might have transmitted the virus to their fetuses. The objectives of this study were to conduct a literature review about Zika virus infection and microcephaly, evaluate national and international epidemiological data, as well as the current recommendations for the health teams. Zika virus is an arbovirus, whose main vector is the Aedes sp. The main symptoms of the infection are maculopapular rash, fever, non-purulent conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. Transmission of this pathogen occurs mainly by mosquito bite, but there are also reports via the placenta. Microcephaly is defined as a measure of occipto-frontal circumference being more than two standard deviations below the mean for age and gender. The presence of microcephaly demands evaluation of the patient, in order to diagnose the etiology. Health authorities issued protocols, reports and notes concerning the management of microcephaly caused by Zika virus, but there is still controversy about managing the cases. The Ministry of Health advises notifying any suspected or confirmed cases of children with microcephaly related to the pathogen, which is confirmed by a positive specific laboratory test for the virus. The first choice for imaging exam in children with this malformation is transfontanellar ultrasound. The most effective way to control this outbreak of microcephaly probably caused by this virus is to combat the vector. Since there is still uncertainty about the period of vulnerability of transmission via placenta, the use of repellents is crucial throughout pregnancy. More investigations studying the consequences of this viral infection on the body of newborns and in their development are required. Keywords: Zika virus, Microcephaly, Aedes mosquitoes, Pregnancy

Introduction: Vaginal discharge is a frequent gynecological complaint, and may represent a disease or not. A vaginal discharge is considered recurrent when it occurs four or more episodes per year. Among the aetiologies, physiological and infectious conditions are mentioned, being the infectious ones, particularly those caused by Candida spp. fungus, the most related to the symptom. Despite the diagnostic and therapeutic resources available, empirical clinical treatments and self-treatments are very frequent and related to ineffective therapeutic results, leading this population to question what the differences regarding women with no symptoms are. Objective: To identify sociodemographic, behavioral and microbiological differences between women with recurrent vaginal discharge and asymptomatic women. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 126 women with recurrent discharge complaints (study group) and 155 (control group), totaling 281 evaluated women. The group included women in the menacme, sexually active, and those who fit in the criteria of recurrent vaginal discharge, without definite previous diagnosis, compared with asymptomatic women, who attended an annual routine examination. Pregnant, diabetic and immunosuppressed women were excluded. The study was based on the principle of the null hypothesis, when there are no differences between the two studied groups. Results: The average age was 29.95 years, predominantly single and without children. There was no significant difference in the analysis of relationship time with the current partner, numbers of partners throughout life, gender and contraceptive method. There was predominance of normal vaginal flora (type 1) in both groups, with average prevalence of 44.9%. The alkaline vaginal pH was predominant in the study group. Conclusion: The null hypothesis was confirmed. Biological, behavioral and sociodemographic differences in the studied populations were not identified. In women with recurrent discharge group, there were no infectious etiologic factors, suggesting that clinical diagnoses are not sufficient for the most efficient management of these situations, indicating laboratory evaluation for these cases in order to improve diagnostic accuracy.

OBJETIVO: conhecer a prevalência da clamídia e da gonorreia numa amostra de mulheres da cidade de Curitiba. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com mulheres sexualmente ativas entre 16 e 23 anos, útero intacto, não gestantes, com até quatro parceiros sexuais, sem evidência de cervicite purulenta ou febre e que foram submetidas a exame pélvico e avaliadas pelo método PCR em amostra de urina para clamídia e gonorreia. Os critérios de exclusão foram: vacinação para o HPV, história de vacinação nos últimos 21 dias, citologia oncótica anterior anormal, história de verrugas genitais, esplenectomia, distúrbios imunológicos e uso de imunossupressores. Foi aplicada entrevista contendo dados sociodemográficos, gineco-obstétricos e de comportamento de risco para doença sexualmente transmissível. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste do c2 ou o teste exato de Fisher para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS: a prevalência da infecção por clamídia e gonorreia no grupo estudado foi de 10,7 e 1,5%, respectivamente, sendo a taxa de coinfecção de 0,9%. Não foi encontrada correlação entre as faixas de idade das voluntárias, a idade de início da atividade sexual, o número de parceiros sexuais e o número de novos parceiros sexuais nos últimos seis meses, com a presença de clamídia ou gonorreia. As mulheres que apresentavam corrimento ou ectrópio tiveram uma prevalência de infecção por clamídia duas vezes mais alta do que aquelas que não apresentavam esses sinais. CONCLUSÕES: os resultados foram similares aos estudos nacionais, utilizando PCR em amostra de urina para detecção de clamídia e gonorreia, com amostras de mulheres não gestantes nas mesmas faixas de idade e com os mesmos antecedentes. Por terem sido excluídas as voluntárias com mais de quatro parceiros sexuais e aquelas que apresentavam endocervicite purulenta, acredita-se que a prevalência da infecção pela clamídia e gonorreia poderia ter sido maior na população estudada.PURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea in a sample of women from Curitiba. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study with a sample of sexually active non-pregnant women aged between 16 and 23 years-old, with an intact uterus, with up to four sexual partners, without evidence of fever or purulent cervicitis, submitted to pelvic examination and PCR-based urine- testing for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Exclusion criteria included: vaccination for HPV, vaccination history for the past 21 days, previous abnormal cytology, history of genital warts, splenectomy, immune disorders, and use of immunosuppressive drugs. An interview regarding sociodemographic and obstetric data and gynecological risk behavior for sexual transmitted diseases was applied. For statistical analysis, we used the c2 or Fisher’s exact test to assess the association between variables. RESULTS: the prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection in the study group was 10.7 and 1.5%, respectively, and the rate of coinfection was 0.9%. No correlation was found between the age range of the volunteers, the onset of sexual activity, the number of sexual partners and of new sexual partners in the last six months, and the presence of Chlamydia or gonorrhea. In women who had vaginal discharge or ectropion, the prevalence of Chlamydia infection was two times higher than in those without such signs. CONCLUSIONS: the results of this study were similar to national studies using PCR in urine samples for the detection of Chlamydia and gonorrhea in samples of non-pregnant women of the same age groups and with the same background. Since the volunteers with more than four sexual partners and those who had purulent endocervicitis were excluded, it is believed that the prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection could have been greater in this population.

In the last years, the prevalence of HPV infection in the anal region has increased, especially in some groups like homosexual and HIV-positive people. Since this infection can be associated with the development of squamous anal cancer due to its progression from HPV infection to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and finally to cancer, the screening and evaluation of these conditions are important. Anal cytology and high resolution anoscopy are good methods that are available and can be used. Although useful, these methods should be performed correctly and not indiscriminately in all patients. Patients for whom anal cytology screening is recommended are: HIV-infected patients, homosexuals, women who present with high-grade vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar cancer or cervical cancer. An abnormal anal cytology should be further evaluated with high resolution anoscopy. Keywords: anal canal, papillomavirus infections, cell biology, carcinoma in situ

OBJETIVO: avaliar os aspectos morfológicos e vasculares do corpo lúteo (CL) por parâmetros ultrassonográficos durante a gestação inicial e sua associação com o abortamento. MÉTODOS: estudo de coorte, prospectivo com 90 gestantes entre 6 e 8 semanas mais 6 dias de gestação. Foram incluídas gestantes de baixo risco, sem doença sistêmica aguda ou crônica, e com concepção espontânea. Critérios de exclusão: uso de medicamentos ou tabagismo, drogas indutoras da ovulação, história de mais de um abortamento, ausência de batimento cardíaco visível no embrião e impossibilidade de visualizar o corpo lúteo. O diâmetro, o volume, os aspectos morfológicos, o índice de resistência e o pico de velocidade sistólica do corpo lúteo foram medidos pela ultrassonografia transvaginal. RESULTADOS: foram incluídas 90 pacientes. A idade variou entre 15 e 41 anos (média de 28,6±5,8 anos). O corpo lúteo foi visualizado em 87 pacientes (96,7%), e 79 pacientes tiveram gestações normais (90,1%), enquanto 8 delas abortaram (9,9%). A comparação entre as gestantes normais e as que sofreram aborto não mostrou diferenças em relação ao diâmetro médio do CL (21,8 versus 20,0 mm; p=0,108, teste de Mann-Whitney), volume médio do CL (4,2 versus 3,0 cm³; p=0,076, teste de Mann-Whitney), índice de resistência médio (0,55 versus 0,58; p=0,220, teste de Mann-Whitney) e velocidade do pico sistólico (15 versus 15 cm/s; p=0,757, teste de Mann-Whitney). Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre a idade materna e o índice de resistência. CONCLUSÕES: nenhuma correlação aparente foi encontrada entre as características morfológicas e vasculares do corpo lúteo nas gestações iniciais normais e nas que evoluíram para o abortamento. versus 3,0 cm³; p=0,076, teste de Mann-Whitney), índice de resistência médio (0,55 versus 0,58; p=0,220, teste de Mann-Whitney) e velocidade do pico sistólico (15 versus 15 cm/s; p=0,757, teste de Mann-Whitney). Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre a idade materna e o índice de resistência. CONCLUSÕES: nenhuma correlação aparente foi encontrada entre as características morfológicas e vasculares do corpo lúteo nas gestações iniciais normais e nas que evoluíram para o abortamento.PURPOSE: the purpose of this research was to evaluate the morphological aspects and vasculature of the corpus luteum (CL) based on ultrasound parameters during early pregnancy and to assess their relationship with early pregnancy loss. METHODS: this was a prospective cohort study of 90 pregnant patients between 6 and 8 weeks plus 6 days weeks of gestation. We included women at low risk, without acute or chronic systemic disease and with spontaneous conception. Exclusion criteria: use of drugs or smoking, drugs inducing ovulation, history of more than one abortion, no heartbeat visible in the embryo and impossibility of visualization of the corpus luteum. The size, volume, morphological aspects, resistive index, and peak systolic velocity of the corpus luteum were measured by transvaginal sonography. RESULTS: ninety patients were included in the study. Maternal age ranged from 15 to 41 years (mean 28.6±5.8 years). The corpus luteum could be visualized in 87 patients (96.7%), 79 patients had normal pregnancies (90.1%), whereas spontaneous losses occurred in 8 cases (9.9%). In a comparison of the survivors and losses, there was no difference in mean CL diameter (21.8 versus 20.0 mm; p=0.108, Mann-Whitney test), mean CL volume (4.2 versus 3.0 cm³; p=0.076, Mann-Whitney test), mean resistive index (0.55 versus 0,58; p=0.220, Mann-Whitney test), peak systolic velocity (15 versus 15 cm/s; p=0.757, Mann-Whitney test). There was a positive relation between maternal age and resistive index. CONCLUSIONS: no apparent correlation was found between the morphological and vascular aspects of the corpus luteum in early normal pregnancies and first-trimester pregnancy losses.

OBJETIVOS: verificar a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia de medidas ultra-sonográficas da bexiga e uretra no diagnóstico da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE). MÉTODOS: o encurtamento da uretra, o abaixamento do colo vesical e a mudança da forma do trígono vesical, provocados pelo esforço miccional, foram medidos por ultra-sonografia transvaginal. A soma algébrica dos três indicadores foi utilizada como uma quarta medida para análise. A amostra era composta de 40 mulheres com IUE comparadas com 40 controles. Os casos diferiam dos controles com relação à idade, à paridade e ao número de gestações. Foram utilizados diversos pontos de corte para avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia diagnóstica do método. O diagnóstico urodinâmico da IUE e de controles serviu como padrão-ouro. Para a análise univariada dos dados, foram utilizados os testes chi2 de Yates e chi2 de Pearson. RESULTADOS: no melhor ponto de corte para o abaixamento do colo vesical, a sensibilidade foi de 40%, a especificidade de 72% e a acurácia de 57%; no melhor ponto de corte para a medida do encurtamento da uretra, a sensibilidade foi de 40%, a especificidade de 70% e a acurácia de 55%; no melhor ponto de corte para a mudança da forma do trígono vesical, a sensibilidade foi de 58%, a especificidade de 48% e a acurácia foi de 52%; no melhor ponto de corte para soma das diferenças das três medidas, a sensibilidade do método foi de 32%, a especificidade de 62% e a acurácia de 48%. CONCLUSÃO: a ultra-sonografia transvaginal, no presente estudo, não se mostrou um método válido para o diagnóstico da IUE.PURPOSE: to verify the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of some ultrasonographic measurements in the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: transvaginal ultrasound measurements of the bladder neck descent, urethral mobility and urethrovesical funneling caused by urination effort were performed in 40 women with SUI and in 40 women from a control group. Age, parity and the number of pregnancies were different in both groups. Several cut points were performed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these measurements as a diagnostic tool for SUI. The urodynamic results were used as gold standard. Univariated analysis was done using Yates chi2 Test and Pearson chi2 Test. RESULTS: in the best cut point for bladder neck descent measurements, sensitivity was 40%, specificity was 72% and accuracy was 57%; in the best cut point for urethral mobility measurements, sensitivity was 40%, specificity was 70% and accuracy was 55%; in the best cut point for urethrovesical funneling measurements, sensitivity was 58%, specificity was 48% and accuracy was 52%; in the best cut point for the addition of the differences of these three measurements, sensitivity was 32%, specificity was 62% and accuracy was 48%. CONCLUSION: vaginal ultrasonography was not a valid diagnostic method for stress urinary incontinence in the present study.

INTRODUÇÃO: O Sistema Bethesda criou a categoria de atipias de significado indeterminado para albergar o diagnóstico citológico de alterações limítrofes entre o processo reacional e o neoplásico. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência e o percentual de discordância dos casos de atipias indeterminadas em células escamosas (ASCUS) e em células glandulares (AGUS) do Programa de Prevenção do Câncer de Colo Uterino do Paraná (PPCUPR) que foram revistos pela Unidade de Monitoramento Externo da Qualidade Citológica (UMEQC). Da mesma forma tem como objetivo avaliar o padrão de reclassificação entre os casos de atipias indeterminadas (AI), que foram discordantes. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: A UMEQC revisou 65.753 casos num período de 25 meses, dos quais foram selecionados casos de AI. Esses casos foram classificados em concordantes e discordantes para a obtenção da prevalência de cada um deles. RESULTADOS: O total de AI antes e após a revisão foi 4.067 casos (5,45%) e 3.584 (6,19%), respectivamente. O diagnóstico de ASCUS correspondeu, após a revisão, a 4,91% (3.235) do total da amostra; e o de AGUS, a 0,51% (338). Após a reclassificação dos casos discordantes, de acordo com o padrão estabelecido pela UMEQC, o diagnóstico negativo foi responsável pela maioria (57,32%) daqueles que deixaram o grupo das AI. O diagnóstico primário agrupado de neoplasia intra-epitelial cervical grau I (NIC I) e vírus do papiloma humano (HPV) foi responsável pela maioria (51,1%) dos casos que foram reclassificados como AI. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Entre todos os casos discordantes as AI ocupam o segundo lugar em freqüência.BACKGROUND: The Bethesda Pap Smear System introduced two categories of undetermined atypias: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS). The objective of this study is to report the prevalence and the disagreement percentile of ASCUS and AGUS as diagnosed by the Cervical Cancer Screening Program of Paraná and revised by the Unit for External Monitoring of Cytology Quality (UEMCQ). METHODS: The UEMCQ revised 65,753 cervical smears during 25 months and all undetermined atypias were selected. These cases were classified according to their agreement or not and then prevalence was obtained. RESULTS: Before the UEMCQ review, the number of undetermined atypias was 4,067 (5.45%); this number decreased to 3,584 after revising the data. Considering the whole sample, the ASCUS rate was 4.91% (3,235) and AGUS corresponded to only 0.51% (338). Most of the reclassified cases presented negative diagnoses (57.32%). The primary grouped diagnoses, including CIN I and HPV, was responsible for 51.1% of undetermined atypias after reclassification. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Undetermined atypias were the second most frequent among disagreement diagnosis groups.

OBJETIVO: comparar a prevalência da presença do DNA do papilomavírus humano (HPV) pela técnica de PCR em amostras de tecido endometrial normal e com carcinoma endometrial de mulheres submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico (histerectomia) ou carcinoma endometrial e doença benigna. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo caso-controle onde foram avaliadas 100 mulheres (50 com endométrio normal e 50 com carcinoma endometrial) quanto a presença do DNA do HPV em amostra tecidual conservada em blocos de parafina, pelo método de PCR. Foram excluídos os casos de carcinoma endometrial cujo sítio primário da lesão era duvidoso ou com história prévia ou atual de lesões pré-neoplásicas ou carcinoma do trato genital inferior. Variáveis como idade, tabagismo, trofismo endometrial, diferenciação escamosa e grau de diferenciação tumoral foram também avaliadas. RESULTADOS: o risco relativo estimado da presença do HPV foi o mesmo nas mulheres com e sem carcinoma endometrial. O HPV foi detectado em 8% dos casos de carcinoma e 10% no endométrio normal. Apesar de o HPV ter sido detectado 3,5 vezes mais em mulheres fumantes no grupo sem carcinoma, não houve diferença estatística. A presença do HPV também não esteve correlacionada com a idade das mulheres, trofismo endometrial, diferenciação escamosa e grau de diferenciação tumoral. Os HPV 16 e 18 (5 dos casos com o tipo 16 e 4 com o tipo 18) foram os vírus mais freqüentemente encontrados, tanto no tecido endometrial normal, quanto no carcinomatoso. Nenhum vírus de baixo risco oncogênico foi detectado nas amostras. CONCLUSÃO: o HPV está presente no tecido endometrial de mulheres com carcinoma endometrial na mesma proporção que nas com tecido endometrial normal, não se demonstrando a possível associação deste vírus no desenvolvimento do carcinoma endometrial.OBJECTIVE: to compare the prevalence of DNA of human papillomavirus (HPV), in samples of normal endometrial tissue, and tissue with endometrial carcinoma of women submitted to surgical treatment (hysterectomy), or between endometrial carcinoma and benign disease, through the PCR technique. METHODS: this is an observational control-case study where 100 women (50 with endometrial carcinoma and 50 with normal endometrial tissue) were analyzed for the detection of HPV DNA in samples of endometrial tissue kept in paraffin blocks by the PCR technique. The cases of endometrial carcinoma with uncertain primary site of the lesion as well as the cases with previous or current history of pre-neoplasic lesions or carcinoma of the lower genital tract were excluded. Variables as age, smoking habit, endometrial trophism, squamous differentiation and degree of tumor differentiation were also evaluated. RESULTS: the estimated relative risk of the presence of HPV in the endometrial carcinoma and in the normal endometrial tissue was the same. HPV was detected in 8% of the cases of carcinoma and 10% in the normal endometrial tissue. In spite of HPV having been 3.5 times more detected in women with smoking habit in the group without carcinoma, there was no statistical difference. The presence of HPV was also not correlated with the women's age, endometrial trophism, squamous differentiation and degree of tumor differentiation. The HPV types 16 (5 cases) and 18 (4 cases) were the viruses most frequently found both in the normal endometrial tissue or in the tissue with carcinoma. No oncogenic low risk virus was detected in the samples. CONCLUSION: The same proportion of HPV is present in the endometrial tissue of women with endometrial cancer and with normal endometrium. It could not be demonstrated a possible correlation of DNA of HPV with the development of endometrial carcinoma.

Objetivo: analisar os fatores epidemiológicos, manifestações clínicas e forma de tratamento da infecção pelo papilomavírus. Métodos: todos os casos de condiloma acuminado em crianças e adolescentes atendidas no período de 1990 a 1995 no Ambulatório de Ginecologia Infanto-Puberal foram revisados, tendo sido coletados dados referentes a idade, manifestações clínicas, local das lesões, formas de transmissão e tratamento. Resultados: entre os 18 casos estudados, a média de idade foi de 6 anos e 11 meses (variando de 2 a 15 anos). A manifestação clínica mais comum foi a presença de verrugas (61,1%). As lesões eram localizadas na região vulvoperineal em 44,4% das pacientes, sendo que lesões perianais e vulvares foram observadas em 27,8% e 22,2% dos casos, respectivamente. Não foi possível confirmar a ocorrência de abuso sexual nem de lesões condilomatosas nos pais em 66,7% dos casos. Provável abuso sexual (não-confirmado) foi relatado em 2 casos. A terapêutica básica foi a cauterização química. Conclusões: o abuso sexual em crianças e adolescentes com condiloma acuminado deve ser investigado, apesar da existência de outras formas de transmissão, incluindo auto ou heteroinoculação. As formas de apresentação na idade jovem diferem das do adulto, sendo necessária uma terapêutica adequada a essa população.Parpose: to analyze the epidemiologic factors, clinical manifestations and forms of treatment of infection with papiloma virus. Method: all cases of condyloma acuminatum in children and adolescents assisted in the period from 1990 to 1995 in the Service of Children and Adolescent Gynecology were revised. We present the following data: age, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, sites of the lesions, transmission modes and treatment. Results: the average age of the 18 studied cases, was 6 years and 11 months (ranging from 2 to 15 years). The most common clinical manifestation was the presence of warts (61.1%). The lesions were located in the vulvoperineal area in 44.4% of the patients, and perianal and vulvar lesions were observed respectively in 27.8% and 22,2% of the cases. It was not possible to confirm the occurrence of sexual abuse or of condyloma lesions in the parents in 66.7% of the cases. Probable sexual abuse (not confirmed) was reported in 2 cases. The basic therapy was chemical cauterization. Conclusions: sexual abuse in children and adolescents with condyloma acuminatum should be investigated in spite of the existence of other transmission ways including auto- or heteroinoculation. The presentation forms at young age differ from those in adults, and thus an appropriate therapy for this is necessary for this population.

Introduction: Many evidences have demonstrated the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, and prophylactic vaccines have been effective to prevent this infection. In relation to the vaccination program of the population, it is important to study the sexual behavior of adolescent students, especially the onset age of sexual activity. Objective: To evaluate the sexual behavior of adolescent students from public schools in relation to some associated variables and to link the onset age of sexual activity with HPV vaccination of the population. Methods: The study was based on the application of a questionnaire to 500 students of public high schools of the city of Curitiba, aged between 13 and 19 years, to assess their sexual behavior and related questions. Of the 500 questionnaires, 488 were answered and analyzed by statistical methodology. The study was approved by local regulatory bodies. Results: Regarding sexual activity, it was observed that it was most frequent along male than female students. It is noticed that 47.8% of boys and 24.6% of girls answered positively to this question. Similarly, 38.7% of boys reported having initiated sexual activity before age 14 compared to only 8.5% of the girls. Other data about the perceived risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection and contraception condom were assessed. The relation between drug use (tobacco, alcohol and marijuana) and sexual activity was demonstrated. About 45% of sexually active students stated regular use of drugs, compared with less than 20% of those who reported not having initiated sexual activity (p < 0.001), whereas this proportion was even more evident when analyzed only the use of marijuana. The “protector” effect of family environment shows an interesting finding: the adolescents who lived with their parents were less sexually active than those who did not report such situation with a percentage of 31.3% versus 59.4% (p = 0.003). Conclusion: We concluded that sexual activity was more evident among male participants as sexual initiation was earlier among boys. Use of drugs and independence of family environment were related to higher rate of earlier and current sexual activity. According to researches, 90% of the students who already are 17 years old had initiated sexual activity; therefore, we can conclude that the age of vaccination proposed by most governmental authorities and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Febrasgo) is adequately when it comes to prevent HPV infection.

As doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, incluindo a infecção pelo HIV (DST/HIV) em população indígena são pouco conhecidas e notificadas no Brasil. Através de alguns estudos específicos em algumas aldeias obtém-se uma ampla visão do panorama que pode estar ocorrendo dentro dessas comunidades. É passível de observação a vantagem dada aos povos amazônicos, por reterem o maior número de etnias, maior população e maior preservação de cultura. Também se observa que os estudos feitos na área são mais antropológicos do que ligados à saúde dos povos, demonstrando que o aspecto de preservação cultural é considerado como prioridade até em relação a doenças.