CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

The use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a method of contraception is a widespread practice characterized by its reversibility, high effectiveness/cost relationship and long life. The most used devices are those based on copper which are made of a thin copper wire with polymeric threads at the bottom. After the IUD implantation, the ends of these threads are left in the vagina outside the cervical canal. The contact of these threads with the bacterial flora of vagina may increase the risk of uterine infections and pelvic inflammation. The aim of this work was to study Pseudomonas aeruginosa attachmet and spreading on the IUD threads. With this purpose the top of the threads were masked with an inert material and then the whole trreads were immersed in the bacterial culture for two hours. During this period, a biofilm was formed on the bare surface. Subsequently, the masks were removed and the samples were rinsed and placed in a sterile culture medium during different periods from 2.5 to 60 h. Microscopic observations of bacterial attachement on the threads were performed after staining with crystal violet. A marked surface roughness was evidenced on the polymeric substrata and bacteria were preferencially placed in the valleys of the ditches. Preliminary studies indicated that the top of the threads can be colonized by bacteria from the biofilm formed at the botton of the thread. Consequently, IUDs may facilitate the spreading of microorganisms from the vagina towards the cervical canal, increasing the risk of uterine infections

enviar mensaje