Differential Expression of Local Immune Response Genes in the Vagina: Implication for the Diagnosis of Vaginal Infections

Transcription profiles of genes of local immune response were determined in the vagina of women with bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, and vulvovaginal candidosis for detection of the most specific immune markers for these vaginal infections. Laboratory diagnosis of the vaginal infections was performed microscopically; the inflammatory reaction in the vagina (leukorrhea) was defined as the presence of>10 white blood cells per field of view. Transcription profiles ofIL1b,IL10,IL18,TNF α,TLR4,GATA3, andCD68 were determined using reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR. The strongest predictors of aerobic vaginitis were increased levels ofIL1b andIL10 mRNA. Bacterial vaginosis was strongly associated with reduced levels ofIL18 andGATA3 mRNA. Increased levels ofIL1b andTLR4 transcripts showed significant discriminatory power for vulvovaginal candidosis and leukorrhea. The results of this study suggest differential expression of local immune response genes in the vagina of women with different vaginal infections. Detection of specific immune markers in the vagina using reverse-transcriptase PCR could supplement PCR detection of abnormal vaginal microflora for the diagnosis of vaginal infections.
Source: Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine - Category: Biology Source Type: research