EFFICACY OF DIAGNOSIS OF PELVIC ACTINOMYCOSIS ON PAP SMEAR: A TERTIARY HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

Actinomyces are anaerobic gram-positive non-spore forming filamentous bacteria that are present in the normal flora of the mouth, the pharynx and probably the lower ileum and cecum. Pelvic actinomycosis is a very rare disease known to be associated with intrauterine devices (IUDs) and ascending infection from the uterus. There is a need to evaluate the prevalence of colonization with actinomycosis in women using an IUCD on pap smear. Methods: A retrospective study comprising 651 pap smear samples was conducted at our tertiary care institute in Bilaspur. Samples obtained were stained with Papanicolaou stain (Pap) and examined for actinomycosis infection. Results: Among all studied smears, actinomycosis infection was detected in 5 women, age ranging from 30-50 yrs. Three patients used IUD among 5 cases studied for actinomycosis. The studied cases depicted cytomorphological findings of Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon and actinomycosis with LSIL having nuclear hyperchromasia, anisonucleosis, irregular and variable nuclear membranes. Conclusion: Pelvic actinomycosis associated with the use of IUDs can mimic pelvic malignancy; for that reason, diagnosis of actinomycosis can be obtained preoperatively on Papanicolaou smear. Antibiotic and surgical treatment may lead to complete resolution.