Hormonal and type-dependent adhesion of group B streptococci to human vaginal cells.
Adhesion of group B streptococci to epithelial cells of the human vagina proved to be type dependent and to fluctuate during the menstrual cycle with a maximum near the time of ovulation. Oral contraception completely abolished the observed cyclic changes. Reduced serum levels of luteinizing hormones (less than 5 mIU/ml) and of follicle-stimulating hormone (less than 10 mIU/ml) were associated with a 10-fold reduction in adhesion of B streptococci to vaginal cells.
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008598:Menstruation; D012703:Serotyping; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology*
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone