Aims: Trichomonas vaginalis is a prevalent sexually transmitted parasite linked to various reproductive health complications.Interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, may modulate the immune response and influence infection progression.This study aimed to evaluate serum IL-10 levels in women infected with T. vaginalis and assess associated clinical factors. Methodology and results:The study was conducted at the Karbala Governorate Women's Teaching Hospital, Iraq, from November 2021 to June 2022, involving 351 female patients aged 15-65 years.Blood samples, urine and vaginal swabs were collected.IL-10 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and T. vaginalis infection was diagnosed via microscopic examination of vaginal swabs and urine analysis.Of the 351 participants, 100 (28.57%) tested positive for T. vaginalis, while 251 (71.43%) tested negative.No statistically significant differences were found across age groups (P = 0.353).The highest prevalence of T. vaginalis infection (29.31%) was observed in the 25-34 age group, with the lowest (16.21%) in the 55-65 age group.Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in infected women compared to the control group (94% confidence interval (CI): 3.66-5.11,P < 0.0001).Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Women infected with T. vaginalis showed elevated serum IL-10 levels compared to uninfected controls, suggesting an immunomodulatory role for IL-10 in infection progression.These findings underscore the need for further research into host immune responses to T. vaginalis in Iraq to better understand its clinical implications and inform targeted therapeutic strategies.
Wahid et al. (Sun,) studied this question.