Impact of Papillomavirus Infections on Immunoglobulin Levels and Cytokine Correlations in Iraqi Women: A Study from January to August 2022

 Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread sexually transmitted infection (STI) with significant health implications. This study aimed to assess the reactivity of TGF, IL10, and MCP-1 with Leukotriene B4 in women diagnosed with cervical HPV infections. Additionally, we considered the histological grade and clinical stage of the patients.

 In this observational study, a total of 50 cervical infection samples from women diagnosed with HPV and 50 samples from healthy controls were collected between January 2nd and August 1st, 2022, from attendees of Al-Elwea Hospital for Delivery and Children. IgM and IgG antibodies against HPV antigens were detected in patient sera. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to amplify the IL-6 gene sequences of lengths 249 and 431 base pairs. Interleukin levels were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. HPV infection diagnosis was confirmed using cervical cytology (Pap smear) and HPV DNA testing before study inclusion.

 The average age of the patients was [35.02±10.73]. The findings revealed that among papilloma cases, 30 (85.7%) exhibited normal levels of both IgM and IgG, while 5 cases (14.3%) showed normal IgM levels and elevated IgG levels. Additionally, 10 cases (66.7%) of papilloma demonstrated increased IgM levels and normal IgG levels, in contrast to 5 cases (33.3%) with elevated levels of both IgM and IgG. Importantly, a positive correlation was observed between IgM and IgG levels and the concentrations of TGF, MCP-1, IL-10, and LTB-4 (r=0.896**, 0.678**, 0.692**, 0.894**), (r=0.894**, 0.546**, 0.570**, 0.618**), respectively.

 The study revealed a significant positive correlation between IgM and IgG levels and the concentrations of TGF, MCP-1, IL-10, and LTB-4, indicating potential immunological interactions in HPV infection. High Ct values for both patients and controls, along with HR-HPV gene expression, suggest a proportional relationship between gene concentration and Ct value.