Objective: To determine the concentration of certain cytokines and immunoglobulin (Ig) E in the vaginal lavage fluid (VLF) of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
Method: Cytokin and IgE concentrations were measured in the VLF of women with VVC; women free of any genital infections acted as controls.
Result: The VLF concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, and interferon (INF)-gamma were higher among women with VVC than in the control group; women with severe VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IL-4 than those with mild to moderate VVC; women with cured VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IL-13 than did controls; and women with VVC or cured VVC had a higher VLF concentration of IgE than did controls (P<0.05 for all).
Conclusion: Both helper T cells type 1 and innate response cytokines were shown to play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of VVC. This allergic vaginal response in women with VVC suggests that the form of treatment for VVC should be reconsidered.