Inflammation on the Cervical Papanicolaou Smear: Evidence for Infection in Asymptomatic Women?

Abstract

A report of inflammatory changes on the cervical Pap smear cannot be used to reliably predict the presence of a genital tract infection, especially in asymptomatic women. Nevertheless, the isolation of different pathogens in about 60% of the women with inflammation on the Pap smear cannot be overlooked and must be regarded with concern.