[Study on vaginal production of human defensins and the correlated pathogenetic factors of vulvovaginal candidiasis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlated pathogenetic factors and vaginal local immunity in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).


METHODS
A case control study was conducted to compare VVC group (60 cases) with normal group (60 cases). All of the women filled up the specific questionnaires. Routine examination, pH test and bacterial culture were done on the vaginal discharge. Cytokines of the vaginal lavage were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
(1) Outcomes of the questionnaires: there was no significant difference between the two groups in educational background, knowledge of gynecologic infection, history of gynecologic infection, hygienic habit, sex life, or use of medicine (P > 0.05). The incidence of chronic cervicitis in normal group (43%, 26/60) was higher than in VVC group (22%, 13/60; P < 0.05). (2) There was no difference in vaginal pH between the two groups (P > 0.05). (3) Detection rate of candida albicans by vaginal discharge routine examination was 72% (43/60). (4) The concentrations of interleukin (IL) 2, and IL-4 in vaginal lavage did not show significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the concentrations of human defensin 5, human beta-defensin (HBD) 1, and HBD2 in VVC group [(0.94 +/- 0.44) mg/L, (3.1 +/- 0.4) microg/L, (10 +/- 6) microg/L] were higher than normal group (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
VVC is a common vulvovaginitis. There is no significant correlation between the incidence of VVC and educational background, knowledge of gynecologic infection, history of gynecologic infection, hygienic habit, sex life, or use of medicine in the child-bearing period. Human defensin may be closely correlated with the pathogenesis of VVC.
Wang
Wen
W
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China.
DI
Wen
W
Liao
Qin-ping
QP
Liu
Zhao-hui
ZH
Zhang
Ning
N
Zhang
Hui-ying
HY
Zhang
Dai
D
Geng
Li
L
Fan
Shang-rong
SR
Hu
Li-na
LN
D000328:Adult; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D041221:Candida glabrata / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D058501:Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D044364:Vaginal Douching; D055815:Young Adult; D023084:alpha-Defensins / Q000378:metabolism*; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000378:metabolism*
C500225:DEFA5 protein, human; C508594:IL2 protein, human; C508598:IL4 protein, human; D007376:Interleukin-2; D023084:alpha-Defensins; D023083:beta-Defensins; D015847:Interleukin-4