Mannan-binding lectin in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Abstract 

Objectives

To determine the serum concentration of mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a component of the innate immune system, in women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and to correlate the result to candida-cultures, contraceptive use, if any, and to different antifungal therapies.

Study design

Twenty-nine women with a history of RVVC were investigated. Cultures of vulvar and vaginal samples were grown on chromogenic agar. Serum levels of MBL were determined by a sandwich time-resolved immunofluorometric assay, using anti-MBL coated microtiter wells containing samples, which were washed, incubated with biotinylated anti-MBL followed by europium-labeled streptavidin and measured by time-resolved flourometry.

Results

The median MBL level was higher in the RVVC cases than in 30 women with no history of genital candida infection who served as a comparison group (p=0.006). It was also higher in the candida-positive than in the culture-negative RVVC (p=0.02). The median concentration of MBL was also higher in hormonal contraceptive users as compared to condom-users and those using no contraceptive at all (p=0.03).

Conclusion

The result indicates a role of MBL in RVVC and the production may correlate to vulvar/vaginal colonization by Candida, hormonal contraceptive use, and antifungal therapies.

Keywords: RVVC, Candida infection, Mannan-binding lectin (MBL)