Role of transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) in pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract

Trichomoniasis caused by the parasiteTrichomonas vaginalisis the most common non-viral, curable sexually transmitted disease worldwide that annually affects millions of people. It was found that several immunologic and biochemical factors play a role in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis.In this study, vaginal swabs, urine and blood samples were taken from (350) women, whose ages ranged between (15-65) yearsand were attending the women’s obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Karbala province during the period from November 2021 to June 2022. The general urine examination and direct microscopic examination of the vaginal swabs were used to detect the parasite, while the serum (TGF-β1) level was estimated by ELISA technique. A questionnaire form was used to collect information from the participant women including age, residency, marital status, educational level, fertility and using contraceptives.The results showed that only (100) cases were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis, and the highest incidence of positive cases was within the age group (15-24) years and the lowest incidence was within the age group (55-65) years. The number and percentage of positive women from rural areas was 49 (28.49%), while the number and percentage of positive women from urban areas was 51 (28.65%), with no significant difference (P=0.973). The mean and standard deviation of serum TGF-β1 was (22.06±10.74) in the healthy non-infected women, while the mean and standard deviation of serum TGF-β1 was (97.93±28.6) in the patient infected women, with a highly significant difference (P<0.001).It can be concluded from the current study that the levels of serum TGF-β1 was highly increased in women infected with Trichomonas vaginalis.