Aim: To assess the effects of copper T-380-A intrauterine device (IUD) insertion on Candida species in cervicovaginal specimen by a molecular method, polymerase chain reaction.
Methods: This is a longitudinal prospective study performed on 95 women attending Health Centers of Tehran, Iran in 2012, who selected copper T-380-A IUD for contraception and had no history of local or systemic antibiotics or antifungals use during the previous 2 weeks. Cervicovaginal specimens were twice collected and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar Candida, before and 3 months after IUD insertion. Finally, a molecular method, PCR-RFLP was performed for identification of Candida species. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 28 ± 7.44 years. Positive Candida cultures were significantly increased 3 months after IUD insertion (25.3% vs 11.6%, P = 0.007). The most common identified species before and after IUD insertion, were Albicans, Glabrata and then both 'Albicans & Glabrata', respectively. The prevalence of Albicans and Glabrata decreased, while both 'Albicans & Glabrata' increased insignificantly.
Conclusion: There was more than about fourfold increase in positive Candida cultures after IUD insertion. As the prevalence of simultaneous infection with both 'Albicans & Glabrata' species which are resistant to usual treatment, increased, it seems necessary to provide more intensive follow-up care for IUD users.
Keywords: Candida species; PCR technic; copper T-380-A IUD.
© 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.