Cervical fluid cytokines in pregnant women: Relation to vaginal wet mount findings and polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to measure and compare concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12 in cervical fluids of pregnant women with normal and pathologic microscopic findings of vaginal wet mount.Study designVaginal samples were obtained from 100 pregnant women (22–32 weeks of gestation) without signs and symptoms of preterm labour (PTL), selected on the basis of the microscopic examination of vaginal wet mounts. Cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12) concentrations were measured in cervical fluids by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe cytokines were found in cervical fluids of the majority of pregnant women, with IFN-γ and IL-8 detected in all samples. Concentrations of IL-8 were significantly higher in pregnant women with pathologic findings on vaginal wet mount, including elevated polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counts.ConclusionA significant correlation between microscopic findings and cervical fluid IL-8 concentrations may make vaginal wet mount microscopy a useful tool for identification of patients with cervicovaginal inflammation, which is considered a risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery.