Study of Serum IgM, IgG, IL-37 Levels and IL-37 Gene Polymorphism in Women Infected with Trichomonas Vaginalis in Baqubah City

Abstract

Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection globally, relying on both innate and adaptive immunity to combat the extracellular pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. This study included 45 infected women and 45 healthy controls in Baqubah, Iraq, from November 2023 to July 2024. Serum levels of IgM, IgG, and interleukin-37 (IL-37) were measured using ELISA, while genotyping of IL-37 SNP rs3811047 was performed using PCR-SSP. Results revealed the highest infection rate (14%) among women aged ≤25 years. Infected women showed a significant increase in IgM (2.09) and IgG (14.32) compared to controls (IgM: 0.07; IgG: 0.23), with p=0.00. IL-37 levels were also significantly elevated in the infected group (14.29) versus controls (7.35), p=0.00. Sanger sequencing of rs3811047 identified AA, GG, and AG genotypes, suggesting possible associations between A and G alleles and susceptibility to infection. The findings highlight a strong immunological response to T. vaginalis and potential genetic factors influencing host defence.