Host immune consequences of asymptomatic Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnancy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to define the impact of asymptomatic trichomoniasis on lower genital tract neutrophil activation in pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN:

In this nested cohort study, pelvic examination was performed on 65 asymptomatic pregnant women between 7 and 22 weeks' with vaginal pH > 4.4. Concentrations of cervical interleukin-8 and alpha-defensin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Trichomonas vaginalis was detected by culture.

RESULTS:

Median concentrations of vaginal fluid neutrophil defensins and cervical interleukin-8 were significantly greater among women with asymptomatic trichomoniasis (median defensins 18,622 ng/mL, median IL-8 9244 pg/mL) than their uninfected counterparts (median defensins 5144 ng/mL, median IL-8 2044 pg/mL) (P < .001). All women with asymptomatic trichomoniasis had detectable defensin and interleukin-8 concentrations.

CONCLUSION:

Asymptomatic trichomoniasis in pregnancy is accompanied by a state of neutrophil activation.

• Authors: Hyagriv N Simhan, Brenna L Anderson, Marijane A Krohn, R Phillips Heine, Begoña Martinez de Tejada, Daniel V Landers, Sharon L Hillier
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 196 Issue 1 Pg. 59.e1-5 (Jan 2007) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17240235 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-8
• alpha-Defensins

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin-8 (biosynthesis)
• Neutrophil Activation
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic (immunology)
• Trichomonas Vaginitis (immunology)
• alpha-Defensins (biosynthesis)