Association of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Gene Oolymorphism with Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a world-wide sexually transmitted protozoan, which induces inflammatory response by stimulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of TLR4 polymorphism with the incidence of T. vaginalis infection among Iraqi women.Subjects and methods: Blood samples were obtained from 139 married women (87 infected with T.vaginalis, and 52 healthy controls). DNA was extracted, and TLR4 gene was amplified using specific primers. Restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used for genotyping. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) were investigated in their relation with T. vaginalis infection.Results: There is insignificant association between both Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile with T. vaginalis infection (OR=2.647, 95%CI= 0.718-9.835, p= 0.163 and OR== 1.558, 95%CI= 0.463-5.238, p=0.494 respectively).Conclusion: The SNPs Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile may not be considered as a risk factor that increases susceptibility to T. vaginalis infection.