Utility of Pap Smears for Diagnosing Cervical Infections: A Community-based Clinicopathological Study

Abstract Background: Cervical infections are common in our population, particularly among young and sexually active women. Early detection is important for timely management, even in asymptomatic cases. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence and cytological patterns of cervical infections among women attending a community-based health awareness camp. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two samples from married women attending the camp were collected and examined using conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smears in the Department of Pathology. Participants’ ages ranged from 21 to 62 years, with the majority (80.2%) in the reproductive age group. Clinical presentations and cytological findings were analyzed. Results: Among the participants, 41.3% were asymptomatic, while the rest presented with various symptoms. The most common symptoms were burning, irritation, and pruritus (n = 26, 28.26%), followed by dyspareunia (19.56%), lower abdominal pain (17.39%), excessive discharge (15.21%), and hyperemic cervix (n = 1, 1.08%). Seven different clinical diagnoses were recorded. Cytological findings included nonspecific inflammation (71.73%), bacterial vaginosis (11.95%), normal smears (8.69%), candidiasis (4.34%), Trichomonas vaginalis (1.08%), atrophic smear (1.08%), and vaginal lactobacillosis (1.08%). Conclusion: Pap smear examination is a valuable tool for detecting cervical infections, including in asymptomatic women, highlighting its role in community health screening programs.