Superoxide radical formation in isolated PMN from experimental vaginal trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, the most widespread sexually transmitted disease is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite is site specific for the genitourinary tract and recruitment of macrophages as well as polymorphonuclear nutrophils [PMN] to the site of infection is the first line of defense as a component of non-specific resistance and immunity. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected with 10 isolates from symptomatic and 10 from asymptomatic patients. Then PMN from vaginal washes, vaginal tissue and blood of infected mice was isolated and the rate of superoxide formation by intact stimulated PMN was measured. Results showed that, mice infected with symptomatic isolates indicated significant increase in polymorphs with increase in days of infection as compared with mice infected with asymptomatic isolate and control [uninfected] animals. Vaginal tissue cells generated maximal amount of superoxide in symptomatic isolates infected animals [5.17 +/- 0.36] as compared to asymptomatic isolates [4.54 +/- 0.43], which brings out the maximal abnormality in PMN in this localized area. The amount of superoxide radicals generated by cells of vaginal washes and blood of symptomatic isolate infected mice] 4.29 +/- 0.25 and 2.16 +/- 0.35] was less than the asymptomatic isolate [4.94 +/- 0.49 and 3.18 +/- 0.26], respectively. This study indicates that super oxide radical generation may play role in establishing the infection

Evaluation of trichomonas vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in mouse model

Trichomoniasis, a worldwide prevalent infection, is a perfect example of interplay between the infecting parasite and the host, on which the presentation of disease depends. To study the pathogenesis, animal model is required for establishment of infection. In this study, by using strains of Trichomonas vaginalis isolated from vaginal swabs and/or urine samples and maintained in axenic form from 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic female patients, the infections in BALB/c mice have been evaluated. Based on parasitic load, experimental peak infection in vagina of estradiol and L. acidophilus treated female BALB/c mice was observable on 5[th] post infection day. This was significantly higher in mice infected with isolates from symptomatic patients in comparison to the other group. Gradual increase up to day 5 followed by decline in parasites, polymorphs and vaginal epithelial cells was observed in mice infected with isolates from symptomatic subjects in contrast to mice infected with asymptomatic patients' isolates or control animals at all time intervals

Prognostic value of post coital test in unexplained infertility

Sixty five couples with the diagnosis of unexplained infertility were monitored by post coital test [PCT] for 194 cycles. In each cycle the ovulation timing was determined by length of the menstrual cycle and serial cervical mucus scoring. Post coital test was graded as excellent, good, fair and poor. Pregnancy rate was highest [P 0.01] for cycles with excellent PCT and lowest for cycles graded as poor. Significantly more number of cycles [11.3] were required to achieve pregnancy when PCT was poor compared to when it was excellent [1.5]