What is Actinomyces Pap smear?

What is Actinomyces Pap smear?

Actinomyces are anaerobic gram-positive non-spore forming filamentous bacteria that are present in the normal flora of the mouth, the pharynx and probably the lower ileum and cecum [1]. However, if the integrity of the mucosal membrane is broken, human infection may occur and can cause a fatal disease in some cases.

Where can Actinomyces be found?

Actinomycosis is usually caused by the bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common organism found in the nose and throat. It normally does not cause disease. Because of the bacteria’s normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly affects the face and neck.

How do you test for Actinomyces?

Actinomycosis is suspected clinically and confirmed by identification of A. israelii or other Actinomyces species using microscopy and culture of sputum (ideally obtained endoscopically), pus, or a biopsy specimen. Imaging tests (eg, chest x-ray, abdominal or thoracic CT) are often done depending on findings.

How is Actinomyces IUD treated?

The antibiotic of choice is penicillin VK 500mg orally 4 times daily for 1 month. One month after completion of treatment, the Pap test should be repeated. If Actinomyces is still present or recurs or the woman shows signs and symptoms of PID, the IUD may need to be removed.

What kind of infections show up on a Pap smear?

Yeast, trichomonas, chlamydia, or gonorrhea infection can cause the cervical cells to appear inflamed. After the infection is treated, the Pap smear result usually returns to normal. If the Pap smear result is positive because of an infection, the underlying cause should be treated.

What is a whiff test?

Whiff test. A sample of discharge is checked to see if a strong fishy odor is created when a special solution is added. A fishy odor usually means you have bacterial vaginosis.

Do you need to treat Actinomyces?

In most cases of actinomycosis, antimicrobial therapy is the only treatment required, although surgery can be adjunctive in selected cases. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for treating infections caused by actinomycetes.

Do antibiotics affect the IUD?

Antibiotics should not affect the reliability of an IUD. This is because the IUD is placed inside the uterus and prevents fertilized eggs from attaching. Whether the hormones (if you have the Mirena) are compromised or not you still have the IUD doing its job.

Does having an IUD cause bacterial vaginosis?

IUD Use: Use of an IUD (intrauterine device) can introduce bacteria into the reproductive tract, triggering a bacterial vaginosis infection. Having an STD: Women who have STDs suffer from bacterial vaginosis at a highly increased rate. In fact, 64% of women with an active STD also have bacterial vaginosis.

What is Actinomyces infection?

Actinomycosis is a rare subacute or chronic bacterial infection that causes both suppurative and granulomatous inflammation. Characteristics include localised swelling with suppuration, abscess formation, fibrosis and sinus drainage of pus containing ‘sulfur granules’.

What is an IUD pregnancy?

An IUD is a tiny device that’s put into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods out there. Find a Health Center A right arrow in a circle.