[Characteristic of biological properties of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and parameters of local immunity during urogenital gonococcal infection].

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence and expression of antilactoferrin, IgA- and slgA-protease activity of gonococci and state of local immunity during various forms of urogenital gonorrhea.

METHODS

Ability to inactivate lactoferrin (ALfA), IgA and secretory IgA (slgA) was studied in 28 Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated from patients with localized gonorrhea and 26 strains isolated from patients with systemic signs of gonorrhea. State of the local immunity was assessed on the lactoferrin, IgA and slgA levels, which were measured by immunofluorescence assay in ejaculate of 54 patients with gonorrhea and 18 healthy males.

RESULTS

Penetrance of ALfA, IgA- and slgA-protease activity of gonococci did not depend from form of infection. Expression of studied characteristics of gonococci as well as combination of ALfA and slgA-protease activities were more prominent in patients with systemic signs of gonorrhea. The same patients had higher level of lactoferrin in semen and, in contrast, lower levels of IgA and slgA compared with patients with localized gonorrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Strains of gonococci inactivating lactoferrin, IgA and slgA depress mucosal barrier of urogenital biotope and create conditions for the development of disseminated forms of gonococcal infection.