Cytokine profile in genital tract secretions from female adolescents: impact of human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and other sexually transmitted pathogens

J Infect Dis. 2000 Mar;181(3):939-45. doi: 10.1086/315311.

Abstract

Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-12 in cervical secretions from female adolescents with and without sexually transmitted infections. Compared with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-negative patients, HIV-positive patients had higher concentrations of IL-10 (118.2 pg/mL vs. 34.5 pg/mL; P=.002) and IL-12 (175.5 pg/mL vs. 85.1; P=.03). IL-2 concentrations were not statistically different. Furthermore, genital tract infections were predictors of IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations. Coinfection with HIV and human papillomavirus predicted the highest IL-10 concentrations; coinfection with HIV, human papillomavirus, and other sexually transmitted pathogens predicted the highest IL-12 concentrations. The data indicate that concomitant infection of the genital tract with HIV and other viral, bacterial, or protozoan pathogens influences the local concentrations of some immunoregulatory cytokines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cervix Mucus / chemistry*
  • Cytokines / analysis*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / analysis
  • Interleukin-12 / analysis
  • Interleukin-2 / analysis
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Papillomaviridae*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / immunology*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-12