Vaginal allergic response in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 2008-04, Vol.101 (1), p.27-30
• Main Authors: Fan, S.R, Liao, Q.P, Liu, X.P, Liu, Z.H, Zhang, D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergic response; Biological and medical sciences; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal - immunology; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal - physiopathology; Chemokines; Cytokines; Cytokines - analysis; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Immunoglobulin; Immunoglobulin E - analysis; Interferon-gamma - analysis; Interleukin-13 - analysis; Interleukin-2 - analysis; Interleukin-4 - analysis; Interleukin-8 - analysis; Medical sciences; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Severity of Illness Index; Vagina - chemistry; Vaginal Douching; Vulvovaginal candidiasis
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.08.024

Abstract Objective : To determine the concentration of certain cytokines and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in the vaginal lavage fluid (VLF) of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Method : Cytokin and IgE concentrations were measured in the VLF of women with VVC; women free of any genital infections acted as controls. Result : The VLF concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, and interferon (INF)-γ were higher among women with VVC than in the control group; women with severe VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IL-4 than those with mild to moderate VVC; women with cured VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IL-13 than did controls; and women with VVC or cured VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IgE than did controls ( P < 0.05 for all). Conclusion : Both helper T cells type 1 and innate response cytokines were shown to play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of VVC. This allergic vaginal response in women with VVC suggests that the form of treatment for VVC should be reconsidered.