Cervicitis

For patient information, click here Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox

Cervicitis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Cervicitis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Cervicitis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cervicitis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Cervicitis
CDC on Cervicitis
Cervicitis in the news
Blogs on Cervicitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cervicitis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Cervicitis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Causes

Cervicitis can be caused by any of a number of infections, of which the commonest are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Trichomonas vaginalis and herpes simplex are less common causes of cervicitis. The role of Mycoplasma genitalium and bacterial vaginosis in causing cervicitis is still under investigation.

Mucopurulent cervicitis

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.

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.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep 2002 10 May; 51 (RR-6):30-42.
• Much of an earlier version of this article was taken from the public domain document "Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2002." which can be found at http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=3236

Template:WikiDoc Sources