| Abstract: | The presence of actinomycetelike organisms in cervicovaginal fast smears from women wearing an IUD is reported. Culture of 3 smears from IUD users showed the organisms to be Actinomyces israelii. 8 other cultures from IUD users were studied with fluorescein-conjugated antisera to Actinomyces israelii and the same conclusion was reached. In most of the cases of smears with antinomycetes, the majority of the organisms were superficially located around the IUD on the surface of the endometrium. In some cases, the organisms were found in pelvic abscesses. Although the presence of these organisms probably represent an infestation of the lower genital tract, they may lead to tuboovarian abscesses or dissemination of the infection. |
