Serum Levels of Prolactin and Complement Components (C3 and C4) in Women Infected with Trichomonas vaginalis

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a sexually transmitted anaerobic protozoan parasite. In women, the infection frequently associated with infertility. However, the exact effect of the parasite that leads to infertility is a debate issue. This study aimed to determine the impact of TV infection on serum levels of prolactin (PRL), C3 and C4 and the correlation of these parameters with the infertility. A total of 142 women were investigated for TV infection and infertility. Serum levels of PRL, and complement (C3 and C4) were estimated using mini Vidas and single radial immune diffusion assay respectively. Infertile women positive for TV had significantly higher serum levels of PRL than infertile women negative for TV, while serum levels of C3 decreased significantly in both fertile and infertile TV-infected women compared with their counterparts of non-infected women. Thus, it can be concluded that increased serum levels of PRL could be incriminated as a cause of infertility in TV-infected women.