Expression of Cytokines in Vaginal Secretion of Women with Yeast Colonization
L. N. Ossai- Chidi *
Department of Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Immunology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
O. K. Obunge
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
C. Nnadi
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
A. T. O. Awopeju
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
M. A. Alex- Wele
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Comparative analysis of local expression of IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α was carried out to provide an insight to the extent and type of localized immune response associated with yeast colonization of the urogenital tract.
Study Design: Descriptive Observational study.
Place and Duration of the Study: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. January to June 2015.
Methodology: Cytokines were assayed using standard ELISA techniques. Cytokine concentrations were compared across multiple groups by use of the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's posts’ tests.
Results: There was a significantly elevated (p < 00.05) TNF-α concentration in women with yeast colonization (25.6 pg/ml) when compared to women with normal microbiota (22.2 pg/ml). There was also significant elevated level (p < 00.05) of average IL-10 concentrations in women with yeast infection (20.9 pg/ml) when compared to women with normal microbiota (14.8 pg/ml). However, there was no significant difference (p > 00.05) in the average IL-2 concentrations of women with yeast colonization and normal microbiota (10.4 pg/ml and 10.2 pg/ml respectively).
Conclusion: The study showed a significant pro-inflammatory immune response to yeast colonization, with a minimal humoral mediated immune response and no hypersensitivity. The local expression of TNF-α and IL-10 increases with the extent of yeast cell colonization.
Keywords: Cytokines, TNF, IL-2, IL-10, yeast, candidiasis