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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| Inflammation of the tissues of the [[cervix]] is known as '''cervicitis'''. Cervicitis in women has many features in common with [[urethritis]] in men and many of the causes are sexually transmitted. | | Inflammation of the tissues of the [[cervix]] is known as '''cervicitis'''. Cervicitis in women has many features in common with [[urethritis]] in men and many of the causes are sexually transmitted. |
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| ==Mucopurulent cervicitis==
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| '''Mucopurulent cervicitis''' (MPC) is characterized by a [[purulent]] or mucopurulent endocervical exudate visible in the endocervical canal or in an endocervical swab specimen. Some specialists also diagnose MPC on the basis of easily induced cervical bleeding. Although some specialists consider an increased number of [[polymorphonuclear leukocytes]] on endocervical Gram stain as being useful in the diagnosis of MPC, this criterion has not been standardized, has a low positive-predictive value (PPV), and is not available in some settings. MPC often is asymptomatic, but some women have an abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding (e.g., after [[sexual intercourse]]). MPC can be caused by [[C. trachomatis]] or [[N. gonorrheae]]; however, in most cases neither organism can be isolated. MPC can persist despite repeated courses of antimicrobial therapy. Because relapse or reinfection with C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae usually does not occur in persons with persistent cases of MPC, other non-microbiologic determinants (e.g., inflammation in the zone of ectopy) might be involved.
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| Patients who have MPC should be tested for [[C. trachomatis]] and for [[N. gonorrhoeae]] with the most sensitive and specific test available. However, MPC is not a sensitive predictor of infection with these organisms; most women who have C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae do not have MPC.
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
| {{Reflist|2}} | | {{Reflist|2}} |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Inflammation of the tissues of the cervix is known as cervicitis. Cervicitis in women has many features in common with urethritis in men and many of the causes are sexually transmitted.
References