Genital human papillomavirus infection in female university students as determined by a PCR-based method

Article Abstract:

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease implicated in the development of abnormal growths and cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Although the epidemiology of HPV is well studied, the incidence of subclinical infection is unknown. This study of 467 college women used both the ViraPap test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine HPV infection. The women were predominantly white, in their early twenties, single, had never been pregnant, and averaged four sexual partners overall. Most had used oral contraceptives. Ninety-eight percent were at the health clinic for an annual examination, contraception, or menstrual problems. The ViraPap test detected a positive result at the cervix in seven percent. The PCR-based system found a positivity rate of 33 percent at the cervix, although there is some increase in the probably of false-positive results, that is, finding that the infection is present when it is not. The ViraPap test is easier to use, but is less sensitive. Clearly, HPV infection is common among healthy young women, although the prevalence may decrease with age. Genetic and environmental factors may cause progression to cervical cancer, but HPV infection could still be predictive in a particular group of women. How such a group might be identified is not known. HPV infection did not necessarily infect both the cervical and vulvar sites, so it appears that these infections may occur independently. The prevalence of infections with multiple HPV types was underestimated by both testing procedures. A test to detect multiple infections is under development. This and other studies will further the understanding of the progression of HPV infection and its role in cervical disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Complications and side effects, Demographic aspects, Polymerase chain reaction, Papillomavirus infections, Women college students

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Evaluation of Medicaid managed care: satisfaction, access, and use

Article Abstract:

Medicaid beneficiaries who enroll in a managed care program will have a doctor who is their regular primary care physician, which could improve their access to medical care. A survey of 1,038 Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in a managed care plan found they were more likely to be satisfied with the service than those not enrolled in managed care. However, they were also equally likely to be dissatisfied, and enrollment in the managed care plan did not significantly reduce costs.

Innovations, Medicaid

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Evaluation of Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Practices for Male Patients With Urethritis at a Large Group Practice Affiliated With a Managed Care Organization-- Massachusetts, 1995-1997

Article Abstract:

The doctors at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates followed CDC guidelines for testing men with symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease for chlamydia and gonorrhea and offering them treatment. They also reported all cases to the state health department.

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