Brian Ogendi

ProblemDifferences in circulating (peripheral) and mucosal T‐cell phenotypes in chlamydia‐infected women remain largely unknown.Method of studyThirteen paired mononuclear cell specimens from blood and cervicovaginal lavages collected from chlamydia‐infected women were stained and analyzed using ten‐color cell surface flow cytometry for T‐cell distribution, activation status, homing, and T helper (Th)‐associated chemokine receptors (CKRs).ResultsA higher proportion of genital mucosal T‐cells were activated (CD38+HLA‐DR+) and expressed CCR5 and Th1‐associated CKR CXCR3+CCR5+ compared to peripheral T‐cells, but a lower proportion of mucosal T‐cells expressed homing CKR CCR7, Th‐2 associated CKR CCR4, and CXCR3+CCR4+ for both T‐cell subsets.ConclusionT‐cell phenotypes differed in the peripheral vs genital mucosa compartments in chlamydia‐infected women. As chlamydia infects mucosal epithelial cells, the finding of a higher frequency of activated T‐cells and Th‐1 phenotypes in the mucosa...

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can cause significant reproductive morbidity in women. There is insufficient knowledge of C. trachomatis-specific immune responses in humans, which could be important in guiding vaccine development efforts. In contrast, murine models have clearly demonstrated the essential role of Type 1 T helper cells (Th1), especially interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing CD4(+) T-cells, in protective immunity to chlamydia. To determine the frequency and magnitude of Th1 cytokine responses elicited to C. trachomatis infection in humans, we stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 90 chlamydia-infected women with C. trachomatis elementary bodies, Pgp3, and major outer membrane protein and measured IFN-γ-, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-, and interleukin 2 (IL-2)-producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine staining. The majority of chlamydia-infected women elic...

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision is recognized worldwide (Eliminating female genital mutilation: an interagency statement [Eliminating], 2008). This paper reviews, defines and elucidates FGM, while discussing some health implications. Although, FGM/C is outlawed and forbidden in most countries the law is not strictly enforced. FGM/C has gained a lot of enquiry from organizations, legislators and activists. It was initially challenged as a shortfall but has gained a lot of recognition on women's health and empowerment as well as international human rights. (Shell-Duncan & Hernlund, 2000). An ongoing process carried out by governments, national and international organizations has been ongoing so as to eradicating FGM. This has resulted in a reduction in the prevalence of FGM/C in some areas (Eliminating, 2008).