Enterovirus RNA shedding in the genital tract of childbearing-aged women living in Central Africa

Abstract

Enteroviruses (EVs) (Picornaviridae) in the female genital tract may constitute possible sources of antenatal or perinatal infection. The presence of EV genomes in the acellular part of cervicovaginal lavages of 119 non-pregnant childbearing-aged African women was determined using a semiquantitative RT-PCR and hybridization detection assay. EV-specific cervicovaginal IgA and IgG antibodies were also detected by immunocapture ELISA assays. Of 119 CVS samples tested, only 10 (8%) were positive for the detection of EV RNA, demonstrating an genital shedding of EVs in African woman. EV-RNA positivity was not associated with the HIV serostatus or with the presence of semen traces in female genital secretion. The microwell hybridization assay of EV amplified RT-PCR products indicated the presence of low levels of EV genomes, ranging from 50 to 100 RNA copies per ml of genital fluids. EV-specific cervicovaginal IgA or IgG antibodies were detected only in two hemoglobin-positive cervicovaginal secretions samples from women without genital EVs. The lack of EV specific IgA or IgG antibody secretion by the cervicovaginal mucosa supported the hypothesis of genital shedding of EVs without ongoing viral replication in the female genital tract. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the presence of EV genomes in nearly 10% of childbearing-aged women living in Central Africa, and provided the basis of possible antenatal or perinatal transmission of EV from mother-to-child.

Multiplex PCR Testing Detection of Higher-than-Expected Rates of Cervical Mycoplasma , Ureaplasma , and Trichomonas and Viral Agent Infections in Sexually Active Australian Women

“…An early study in Russia detected antigens of coxsackie A and B virus in the vaginal secretions of 16.3% of young girls with protracted forms of vulvovaginitis (33). More recently, a study in Central Africa detected EV RNA in nearly 10% of women of childbearing age, which may be the basis for possible antenatal or perinatal transmission from mother-to-child (24). Detection of EV in 2.8% of the women in our study indicates the proportion of patients at risk, but again, the clinical relevance has yet to be determined.…”

“…The development of molecular methods, such as PCR and DNA hybridization, has allowed the detection of a range of agents whose etiologic roles in genital infections need to be further investigated, including the viruses cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 (4, 43), adenovirus (6,10,50), and the Mollicutes Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mycoplasma genitalium (1,28,59). There have also been reports of genital infections caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (4,55), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (27), and enterovirus (EV) (24). We report here the use of four multiplex PCR (mPCR) assays, designated VDL05, VDL06, VDL07, and VDL09, based on a conventional platform, for the detection of 19 microorganisms in cervical swabs, including Treponema pallidum and C. trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, group B streptococci, and five adenovirus species, in addition to those mentioned above.…”