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In this work the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and CMV were studied among two groups of population; IVDA (intravenous drug addicts) (100) and control group (40). Syphilis and other bacterial infections which may be encountered among IVDA were also investigated. It was found that all serum samples (of both groups) were negative for anti-HIV. Regarding HBV markers, the prevalence of HBc antibodies was significantly higher among IVDA (62%) than the control group (27.5%). Also HBsAg was detected in 16% of IVDA while it was 75% among the control group. Prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher among IVDA (63%) than the control group (27.5%). The prevalence of co-infection with HBV and HCV was significantly higher in IVDA (40%) than the control group (15%). Sharing of needles and duration of drug use were positively associated with the presence of both HBV markers and anti-HCV. CMV seroprevalence was high in both groups. Antibodies to Syphilis were found in sera of 3 IVDA and one control using MHA-TP test. Although HIV infection has not yet been sufficiently introduced among IVDA in Alexandria but potentials for its spread among addicts are high as supported by observation that other infections with similar mode of transmission are common among addicts.

The effect of oral contraceptives (combined OCs) and IUDs (Lippes loop D) on vaginal flora and immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgA) was studied via bacteriological examination of 3 vaginal swabs (cervical mucus) from each of 120 nonpregnant, multiparous randomly selected women aged 20-40 years. All participants had used the respective contraceptive method from 1-10 years. IgA and IgG levels increased simultaneously with duration of OC intake until 4 years and then decreased thereafter. Both Ig levels increased with duration of IUD use. Subjects using OCs harbored Trichomonas vaginalis more often and the prevalence increased with duration of pill intake. Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci, and gram-negative bacteria also increased among pill users until 4 years of use and then decreased with continued duration of pill usage. Among pill users, the pH shifted to alkaline, whereas with IUD use the pH shifted to the less acidic side. IUD users also had increased incidence of tric, candida, staph, anaerovic strep, and gram-negative bacilli, a rate which increased with duration of IUD use.

A stratified random sample of 1000 women with proportionate allocation according to district of residence was taken from normal females living in Alexandria, Egypt, and attending family planning centers in order to understand social-pathological changes in the vaginal flora of oral contraceptive (OC) users. Cases were examined over 18 months, and all cases were given a combined OC. Bacteriology and pH changes in vaginal flora were determined after 18 months. Results of the bacteriological examination revealed a positive correlation between those having a vaginal discharge and pH above 5, mixed infection, and illiteracy. As the duration of pill use increased, so did the incidence of monilla, staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci, gram negative bacilli, trichomonas vaginalis, and hemophilus vaginalis, whereas lactobacilli decreased. Duration of pill use also corresponded to increase in vaginal pH. Longer duration of OC use, practice of bad hygiene, and illiteracy were factors associated with an alkaline pH, changed pattern of vaginal flora, and greater susceptibility to infection by staph aureus and E. coli.