Molecular Mechanism Research

Abstract Background: Cervicitis, an inflammation of the uterine cervix, is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and its early detection is crucial for effective management. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and other pathogens are common causes. Diagnostic methods such as Gram staining, culture, PCR, and histopathology are used to identify the etiological agents. However, their comparative efficacy remains debated. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of culture, multiplex PCR, and histopathology in detecting the etiological agents of cervicitis. Methods: A total of 248 endocervical samples were collected from women with suspected cervicitis. These samples were examined using Gram stain, culture, multiplex PCR, and histopathological analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic performance of each method were assessed. Results: Among the samples, Gram stain identified 8.87% N. gonorrhoeae, while culture and PCR detected 5.64% and 10.48%, respectively. Histopathology revealed chronic cervicitis in 20% of cases, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 43.33%, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 36.67%. PCR demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%) for N. gonorrhoeae detection compared to culture, which had lower sensitivity. Gram stain showed high specificity (96.58%) but was less sensitive than PCR. The multiplex PCR method was superior in detecting mixed infections and pathogens that failed to grow in culture. Histopathology, while important for identifying tissue abnormalities, had limited sensitivity in detecting specific microbial agents. Conclusion: PCR is the most reliable and sensitive method for detecting cervicitis-causing pathogens, outperforming culture and Gram stain. Histopathology, though valuable for identifying tissue changes, is not as effective in diagnosing the microbial etiology. A combination of PCR and histopathology may provide a comprehensive diagnostic approach for cervicitis.

Abstract Background: Escherichia coli is a common microbial flora in milk and milk products and is known to be a leading cause of illness in humans. It can lead to severe infections such as cellulitis, septicemia, and airsacculitis. Due to its potential health risks, monitoring and control of E. coli in milk are crucial for public health. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli from milk samples collected from various areas in Jashore District, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of sixty milk samples were collected from different areas in Jashore. The samples were enriched in saline water, followed by serial dilution, and plated on MacConkey agar. Isolates were further cultured on EMB agar plates, identified using biochemical methods, and tested for antimicrobial resistance against seven antibiotics using MHA agar plates. DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed to detect specific virulence genes using multiplex primers. Results: Out of sixty isolates, 100% of E. coli isolates were resistant to erythromycin. Resistance was also observed to chloramphenicol (15%), gentamicin (18%), trimethoprim (0%), streptomycin (12%), cefoxitin (56%), and aztreonam (0%). The highest susceptibility was observed with cefoxitin and aztreonam. PCR results showed no amplification of virulence genes in the isolates. Conclusion: The study found high antimicrobial resistance in E. coli from milk in Jashore, posing a public health risk. While virulence genes were not detected, the resistance highlights the need for better milk handling and stricter antibiotic use regulations in the dairy industry.