Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in patients with recurrent vulvovaginitis of undetermined etiology.
OBJECTIVE
Recent findings show that the vaginal mucosa can develop an allergic response to environmental allergens and there is a strong association between atopy and some recurrent vulvovaginal infections. In this study, we investigated prospectively the rate of atopy in patients with recurrent vulvovaginitis of undetermined etiology (RVV).


METHODS
After being investigated by a gynecologist, 35 patients with RVV who were considered as undetermined etiology formed the study group. The control group consisted of 150 healthy females. Study and control groups were investigated for atopy by means of skin prick test for common aeroallergens. Associated allergic disease and familial atopy history of the subjects were recorded.


RESULTS
The rate of atopy (11/35; 31.4% vs 9/150; 6%) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the study group than in the controls. Familial history of atopy was significantly more frequent in the study group than in the controls (10/35; 28.6% vs 8/150; 5.3%, P < 0.05). RVV in atopics is more associated with seasonal rhinitis than in nonatopics (5/11; 45.4% vs 2/24; 8.3%, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that a significant number of RVV is associated with atopy. Although the exact mechanism(s) of this relationship remains to be investigated atopy might be a causative and/or contributing factor in the pathogenesis of RVV.
Ozturk
Sami
S
Gulhane Military Medical Academy and Medical Faculty, Department of Allergy, Ankara, Turkey. samiozturkiz@yahoo.com
Caliskaner
Zafer
Z
Karaayvaz
Mehmet
M
Dede
Murat
M
Gulec
Mustafa
M
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests; D014848:Vulvovaginitis / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens