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Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic and Genital Tract Inflammatory Markers and Endogenous Genital Tract E. coli Inhibitory Activity in HIV‐Infected and Uninfected Women
Author(s) -
Keller Marla J.,
McGinn Aileen P.,
Lo Yungtai,
Huber Ashley,
Espinoza Lilia,
Minkoff Howard,
Colie Christine,
Nowicki Marek J.,
D'Souza Gypsyamber,
Anastos Kathryn
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12518
Subject(s) - bacterial vaginosis , immunology , inflammation , immune system , systemic inflammation , vagina , sex organ , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , immunity , viral load , biology , obstetrics , surgery , genetics
Problem Stability over time of systemic and mucosal immunity and their associations with bacterial vaginosis ( BV ) and HIV ‐specific parameters were assessed. Method of Study Immune mediators and HIV viral load in plasma and cervicovaginal lavage ( CVL ), E. coli inhibition, and Nugent score were measured at three semiannual visits among 94 participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Mixed models identified the factors associated with immune mediators. Results There was higher E. coli inhibition and lower inflammation over time in the genital tract and systemically. BV was consistently associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators and lower CVL E. coli inhibition. HIV ‐infected women with higher CD 4 counts had lower systemic and genital inflammatory mediators, and genital HIV shedding was associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators. Use of antiretroviral therapy ( ART ) was associated with lower plasma and CVL mediators, but higher E . coli inhibition. Conclusion HIV and BV are linked to inflammation, and ART may be associated with improved vaginal health.