Abstract Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted infections, especially among young people. Aims: To describe the prevalence of genital HPV infections, to identify clinical-epidemiological factors associated with them and to determine the frequency of viral strains. Methods: Endocervical samples were studied of 505 women between 15 and 49 years old, who attended the laboratory of the Institute of Social Security, residents of Posadas, Misiones, for the study of vaginal exudate, between January 2012 and June 2013. A 450-base pair fragment within the HPV L1 region was amplified. Genotype detection was performed through the study of the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: The prevalence of total HPV carriage was 30.7%, and of these 71.6% corresponded to high risk (mainly HPV 16 [35.1%], 58 [10.8%] and 31 [8.1%]). HPV detection was higher in women aged 15 to 24 years (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.18) and with more sexual partners (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1, 02-3.22). There was no association with pregnancy, stability of the couple, contraceptive methods, age at onset of sexual intercourse, or smoking. Conclusions: The identification and typing of HPV in this study provides information regarding the high prevalence of HPV and the substantial proportion of cases with oncogenic genotypes among sexually active women in this region of Argentina.

Resumen Introducción: El virus papiloma humano (VPH) causa infecciones transmitidas sexualmente. Objetivos: Conocer la prevalencia de infecciones genitales por VPH, identificar factores clínico-epidemiológicos asociados a dicha prevalencia y determinar la frecuencia de los tipos virales. Material y Métodos: Se estudiaron muestras endo-cervicales de 505 mujeres entre 15 y 49 años, que concurrieron para estudio de exudado vaginal al laboratorio del Instituto de Previsión Social, residentes de Posadas, Misiones, entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2013. Se amplificó una sección de 450 pares de bases del genoma viral perteneciente al fragmento L1 del VPH. La detección del genotipo se realizó mediante el estudio del polimorfismo de la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (RFLP). Resultados: La prevalencia de la portación de VPH total fue 30,7%, y de éstos 71,6% correspondió a los de alto riesgo (principalmente VPH 16 [35,1%], 58 [10,8%] y 31 [8,1%]). La detección del VPH fue mayor en mujeres de 15 a 24 años (OR: 1,48; IC 95% :1,01-2,18) y con más parejas sexuales (OR:1,81; IC 95%: 1,02-3,22). No hubo asociación con el embarazo, la estabilidad de la pareja, métodos anticonceptivos, edad de inicio de las relaciones sexuales ni tabaquismo. Conclusiones: Los resultados de identificación y tipificación de VPH en este estudio aportan información sobre una prevalencia elevada de VPH en mujeres sexualmente activas, así como porcentajes elevados de genotipos oncogénicos en esta región.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, radiological, and bacteriological features, risk factors, and outcome of neonates with bone and joint infections. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, retrospective, and analytical study of 77 patients less than 2 months of age, admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the diagnosis of bone or joint infection, based on clinical, radiological, and microbiological criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients with 99 acute osteoarthritis foci in a 16 year period were included in the study. Risk factors for infection could be identified in 69% of the patients. The hip was the most frequent. Staphylococcus aureus was the main isolated microorganism. Twenty-nine infants (38%) had sequelae. Hip involvement, culture positive, and Staphylococcus aureus isolation were risk factors associated with sequelae. CONCLUSION: Osteoarticular infection is unusual in the neonate; however it is associated with an elevated incidence of sequelae. This mandates for a high degree of suspicion to diagnose this potentially disabling entity.