Comparison between secretory leukocytic protease inhibitor and reactive nitrogen intermediates levels in cervicovaginal secretions from symptomatic and asymptomatic trichomoniasis Egyptians patients

Abstract

Although trichomoniasis is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases, limited information is known about the host and parasite factors which cause symptomatic versus asymptomatic infections. Both of Secretory Leukocytic Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) and Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates (RNI) are major effectors in the innate immune response against infection. This study aimed to compare the level of SLPI and RNI in relation to the vaginal complains among trichomoniasis Egyptian patients. Two groups of trichomonas infected patients were included. Group I included 30 symptomatic patients distributed in three equal subgroups mild, moderate and severe accordiing to degree of symptoms and Group II included 10 asymptomatic patients. Besides, control Group III included 10 healthy females. Cervicovaginal levels of SLPI & RNI were determined in all patients. The mean level of SLPI was less in symptomatic patients (187.75+/-11.61 ng/ml) than in asymptomatic ones (361.18+/-53 ng/ml), with statistically significant difference. Mean level of SLPI was markedly lower in severe symptomatic patients (173.97+/--4.64 ng/ml) when compared with moderate (188.60+/-2.47 ng/ml) and mild (200.69+/-3.01 ng/ml) subgroups respectively. This difference was statistically significant. In controversy, mean levels of RNI in symptomatic patients were significantly higher (39.4+/-7.15 microM) than asymptomatic (38.89+/-6.49 microM). The mean level of RNI was significantly low in severe symptomatic (30.07+/-1.79 microM) than moderate (41.83+/-1.01 microM) and mild (46.30+/-2.02 microM) symptomatic subgroups. This difference was statistically significant. Both of SLPI & RNI levels returned to normal levels in 93.4% & 80% of symptomatic patients respectively one week after metronidazole therapeutic course.