Lymphocyte subsets in women on low dose oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptive users have been reported to have a higher incidence of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. This study was undertaken to try to elucidate some of the mechanisms responsible for this increased susceptibility to infection. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were labelled with murine monoclonal antibodies directed against T cells and the various lymphocyte subsets: helper cells, suppressor/cytotoxic cells, or natural killer cells. The lymphocytes were then analyzed on a Coulter Electronics Epics V fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS). A total of 27 control and 33 oral contraceptive users were studied. In comparison to the control group, there was no significant difference between the two groups in percentage or absolute numbers of total T cells, helper cells, suppressor/cytotoxic cells or natural killer cells. This study suggests that the increase in herpes virus, C. trachomonas, candida, and other infections in women taking oral contraceptives is not related to alterations in the numbers of T lymphocyte subsets or in levels of NK cells.