Persistent, Asymptomatic Colonization with <i>Candida</i> is Associated with Elevated Frequencies of Highly Activated Cervical Th17-Like Cells and Related Cytokines in the Reproductive Tract of South African Adolescents
Anna‐Ursula Happel, Melanie Gasper, Christina Balle, Iyaloo N. Konstantinus, Hoyam Gamieldien, Smritee Dabee, Katherine Gill, Linda‐Gail Bekker, Jo‐Ann S. Passmore, Heather B. Jaspan
Abstract
Sub-Saharan African female adolescents are globally at the highest risk of HIV acquisition, and genital inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and cervical HIV target cell activation are thought to contribute to this risk. Previously, the relationship between these mucosal factors and subclinical vaginal Candida colonization or hyphae has not been described, and the role of HIV-susceptible Th17 cells in mediating anti- Candida immunity in the human female genital tract has not been clearly established.
Topics & Concepts
ColonizationAsymptomaticSubclinical infectionVaginaImmunologyGenital tractDysbiosisImmunitySex organHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)InflammationBiologyImmune systemMedicineMicrobiologyPhysiologyInternal medicineVirologyGut floraGeneticsReproductive tract infections researchHIV/AIDS Research and InterventionsSyphilis Diagnosis and Treatment