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In vitro phagocytic interaction between Trichomonas vaginalis isolates and bacteria
C Juliano1, P Cappuccinelli, A Mattana
1Instituto di Tecnica Farmaceutica, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Italy.
Summary
Trichomonas vaginalis isolates exhibit phagocytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They also effectively phagocytize vaginal lactobacilli, suggesting a role in vaginal biocenosis changes during trichomoniasis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis.
- The interaction between T. vaginalis and vaginal microbiota is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phagocytic capabilities of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates against various bacteria.
- To explore the potential role of phagocytosis in the pathogenesis of trichomoniasis.
Main Methods:
- Testing 12 Trichomonas vaginalis isolates for phagocytosis of gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus spp.) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
- Observing bacterial ingestion with and without serum supplementation.
Main Results:
- All T. vaginalis isolates ingested Staphylococcus aureus variably.
- Most isolates demonstrated phagocytic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Several isolates effectively phagocytized human vaginal lactobacilli.
- Phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae was not observed.
- Serum was only occasionally required for bacterial ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Trichomonas vaginalis exhibits significant phagocytic activity against certain bacteria, including commensal lactobacilli.
- Phagocytosis by T. vaginalis may contribute to alterations in the vaginal microbiome during early trichomoniasis.
- These findings highlight a potential immune evasion or host-interaction mechanism of the parasite.