The presence of eosinophil leucocytes in cervicovaginal smears with Actinomyces-like organisms: Light microscopic examination

BACKGROUND: Actinomyces species are part of mucosal surfaces of oral cavity, gastrointestinal and genital tracts. When these mucosal surfaces disrupt, Actinomyces become pathogen and cause infection. Eosinophil leucocytes participate in host defense against helminthic infestation and they generally play a role in asthma and allergy. However, the role of eosinophil leucocytes in host defense against bacteria is conflicting. AIM: To determine whether there is a relationship between Actinomyces-like organisms (ALOs) and eosinophil leucocytes at light microscopic level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cervicovaginal samples obtained from 200 patients were examined by both Pap smear microscopy and anaerobic culturing. Since the results obtained by these methods were not concordant for diagnosis of genital Actinomyces, 6 of 200 patients (3%) diagnosed with ALOs by Pap smear microscopy became the study group. Patients without any infectious agents (n=134) were the control group. Statistical analyses were conducted with χ(2) test using SPSS program. RESULTS: The study and control groups were compared statistically in view of the presence of eosinophil leucocytes and it was found that there was a significant correlation between the presence of ALOs and eosinophil leucocytes (P<0.05). Abundant polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and macrophages were also detected in the study group. CONCLUSION: This study implies that eosinophil leucocytes might have a role in host defense against Actinomyces in addition to PMNLs and macrophages.