Pediatric Cervicitis
- Author: Latha Chandran, MBBS, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Andrea L Zuckerman, MD more...
Background
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix. Patients usually present with cervical erythema and discharge.
Pathophysiology
Cervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Infection of the cervix results in inflammation and may be accompanied by vulvovaginitis. Mucopurulent cervicitis is a clinical diagnosis, one typically characterized by friability of the cervix, mucopurulent discharge from the os, and increased numbers of polymorphs in endocervical secretions.[1] An ascending infection can cause endometritis, salpingitis, tuboovarian abscess, or perihepatitis.
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
In the United States, the prevalence of chlamydial infection is 5-15% in sexually active teenagers and young adults, who are asymptomatic.[2] The prevalence increases to almost 50% in symptomatic patients; however, the incidence of gonorrhea has declined steadily over the last 20 years.[3] Adolescents and young adults continue to have the highest rates of infection, with a transmission risk of 20-50% per sexual contact. The incidence of co-infection with both gonorrheal and chlamydial organisms may be 15-20%.
International
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial pathogen that causes sexually transmitted infections worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50-70 million cases occur each year.
Mortality/Morbidity
Primary morbidity results from ascending infection to the uterus and fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease) that leads to chronic abdominal pain and infertility.
Age
Compared with older populations, sexually active adolescents and young adults have a higher incidence of both chlamydial and gonococcal cervicitis.
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