MBL2 genetic screening in patients with recurrent vaginal infections.
OBJECTIVE
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of the innate immunity, present at the mucosal level in vagina: a common pathogen's entry point.


METHODS
We used a rapid genotyping method based on melting temperature assay to search for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the first exon of the MBL2 gene and we also measured MBL serum levels in patients with recurrent bacterial vaginosis (rBV) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (rVVC).


RESULTS
Detected frequencies of MBL2 SNPs were comparable to the ones already reported for the Italian population and no significant differences were found between rVVC, rBV and controls. MBL serum levels did not show significant differences between the studied groups.


CONCLUSIONS
No correlation for the screened mutations has been found neither in protecting nor in favoring the infection in rVVC and rBV patients. Our data demonstrate a lack of association between functional polymorphisms in the first exon of MBL2 gene, MBL deficiency, VVC and rBV.
Milanese
Michele
M
Department of Reproduction and Development Sciences, Genetic Unit - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Segat
Ludovica
L
De Seta
Francesco
F
Pirulli
Doroti
D
Fabris
Annalisa
A
Morgutti
Marcello
M
Crovella
Sergio
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology
C445619:MBL2 protein, human; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D004247:DNA