Among pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis, the hydrolytic enzymes sialidase and prolidase are positively associated with interleukin-1β

The strong induction of IL-1β in BV-positive women appears to be associated with the production of the hydrolytic enzymes sialidase and prolidase by BV-associated bacteria. However, these 2 enzymes may inhibit the expected amplification of the proinflammatory IL-1β cascade as evaluated by the down-regulation of the IL-8/IL-1β ratio. A blunted response to IL-1β signals may cause the poor rise of neutrophils, which is peculiar to BV. This impairment of local defense may contribute to increased susceptibility to adverse outcomes in BV-positive pregnant women.