Host and pathogen interaction during vaginal infection by Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis or Ureaplasma urealyticum

Vaginal infections by Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis have bee n shown to be associated. Since M. hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are s imilar pathogens, both belonging to the class of the mycoplasmata, we descr ibe here a molecular study into the interdependence of Li. urealyticum and T. vaginalis during infection. Susceptibility towards infection by U, ureal yticum depends on genetic polymorphism in the interleukin-1 receptor antago nist (IL-IRA) gene. Now, we defined the relation between IL-IRA genotypes a nd infection by M. hominis and T. vaginalis. Finally. we also developed a r estriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) tool for mapping variation i n the T. vaginalis AP33 adhesin in order to define putative associations be tween parasite subtype and mycoplasmata or host. Studies using crudepellets from T. vaginalis culture broth clearly confirm the association between T. vaginalis and M hominis infection. The association between TL-IBA genotype 2,2 and lack of Li. urealyticum infection is corroborated as well. U. urea lyticum infection and infection by T. vaginalis an independent. Furthermore , T. vaginalis and M. hominis infection are not depending on IL-IRA genotyp es. Interestingly, one of the three AP33 RFLP types identified appeared to be associated with the absence of U. urealyticum infection. In conclusion, the complex interaction between bacterial and parasitic pathogens and the i nfected host is determined by genetic characteristics of host and microorga nisms involved. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.