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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:34
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Antimicrobial activity of human cervical mucus
W Eggert-Kruse1, I Botz, S Pohl
1Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|March 31, 2000
Summary
Human cervical mucus (CM) exhibits significant antibacterial properties, with activity increasing after sexual activity. This pilot study highlights CM
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Immunology
Background:
- Human cervical mucus (CM) plays a role in reproductive health.
- Understanding the innate defense mechanisms of the female reproductive tract is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial activity of human cervical mucus.
- To assess the influence of factors like sexual activity and microbial colonization on CM's antibacterial properties.
Main Methods:
- Agar diffusion tests were used to evaluate antibacterial activity against Micrococcus lysedeikticus.
- Lysozyme content was quantified using a turbidimetric assay.
- 133 mid-cycle CM samples from women in infertile couples were analyzed.
Main Results:
- All CM specimens demonstrated considerable antibacterial activity, comparable to hen's egg white (HEW)-lysozyme.
- Antibacterial activity was significantly higher in samples obtained shortly after intercourse compared to prolonged abstinence.
- Sterile CM showed significantly lower antibacterial activity than microbially colonized CM.
Conclusions:
- Human cervical mucus possesses significant innate antibacterial activity.
- Sexual activity and the presence of spermatozoa enhance the antibacterial effect of CM.
- The findings underscore the protective role of CM in the female reproductive tract.
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