INFLUENCE OF OVARIAN HORMONES ON UROGENITAL INFECTION

Numerous studies have examined the influence of hormones on infectious diseases and there is now a wealth of data relating to the more speci fic effect of the sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, on urogeni tal infections. The interaction between these hormones and the immune system is complex and the variation of hormonal effect between species further complicates the true picture as related to humans. Although i t is difficult therefore to draw general conclusions regarding predomi nant effects of specific hormones, there is the suggestion that oestro gen enhances the pathogenicity of many urogenital micro-organisms. Our understanding of the influential role played by sex hormones in disea se pathogenesis is at an early stage and illustrates well the importan ce of drawing together and interpreting as a whole both epidemiologica l and molecular studies.