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  • Title: Actinomyces israelii in the genital tract of women with and without intra-uterine contraceptive devices.
    Author: Persson E, Holmberg K, Dahlgren S, Nilsson L.
    Journal: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand; 1983; 62(6):563-8. PubMed ID: 6367338.
    Abstract:
    Actinomycosis involving the female genital tract is more common among IUD users than others. The diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. It has been suggested that the finding of Actinomyces-like organisms or A. israelii in cervical smears indicates a risk of developing actinomycosis. A. israelii has not been regarded as a part of the indigenous genital flora. A group of IUD users without symptoms of genital tract infections were compared with a control group without IUDs. No Actinomyces-like organisms were found on cytological examination of cervical smears. Immunofluorescent staining and cultures identified A. israelii in 4% of the IUD users and in 3% of the non-users. Serologic precipitin tests for actinomycosis were negative in all women. None developed actinomycosis on follow-up of positive cases. The study indicates that A. israelii is a commensal of the female genital tract. The identification of A. israelii alone does not indicate that the patient risks developing actinomycosis. Other methods such as a serology test should be useful in defining the clinical significance of the findings.
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