Sandra Guerra

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in women with abnormal cervical cytology in the Basque Country, Spain

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in cytologically abnormal cervical samples from 106 women living in a region of the north of Spain. METHODS Cytological classification was reported according to the 2001 Bethesda System and HPV genotyping was performed by Roche Linear Array. RESULTS The overall HPV prevalence was 69.8% with 30 different HPV genotypes detected. The prevalence of HR (high-risk) HPV types and pHR (probable high-risk) HPV types in positive samples was 94.3%, 78.1% and 100% in patients with ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL/CC, respectively, with no significant differences. The most frequent type was the HPV 16, present in 29.7% of all positive samples, followed by HPV 51 (17.5%), HPV 53 and 42 (16%), HPV 52 (12%), HPV 39 (10.8%), HPV 18 and 58 (9.4%) and HPV 66 (8.1%). No significant differences in the percentage of any HPV genotype with the grade of the cytological lesion were detected. The prevalence of HPV co-infection was 58.1% of HPV positive. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the high prevalence of high-risk genotypes in women with abnormal cytology living in our geographical area. This information may be useful for the formulation of algorithms for patient management according to the different risks associated with specific high-risk genotypes.

Vaginal health in contraceptive vaginal ring users – A review

Abstract Background To provide an overview of the available data from clinical studies of vaginal conditions in women who use a vaginal ring as a contraceptive. Methods A systematic review of the literature. Results Millions of women have already used the ethylene vinyl acetate vaginal ring that releases ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel for contraception. Because of its small size, more than four out of five women using the ring report that they do not feel it, even during sexual intercourse. No colposcopic or cytological changes have been observed in users, although approximately 10% have increased vaginal discharge. While in vitro studies have shown adhesion of Candida yeasts to the vaginal ring surface, clinical studies have not demonstrated a greater incidence of Candida infections compared to users of equivalent oral contraceptives. Some clinical studies suggest a lower incidence of bacterial vaginosis. No interaction exists between concomitant use of the vaginal ring and other drugs or products for vaginal use. Conclusion The use of a contraceptive vaginal ring does not alter the vaginal ecosystem and therefore does not substantially affect vaginal health.