Investigating Oxidative Stress Levels in Pregnant Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus and Bacterial Vaginosis for Better Treatment Option.

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) coinfection generate sustained inflammation with bulk production of reactive oxygen species. They have the potency to cause hepatocellular carcinoma, vaginal apoptosis, disturb pregnancy, and influence drug treatment and follow-up. This case-control study aimed to compare the redox status in HCV and BV coinfection with respect to BV mono-infection among pregnant females (PFs).

Methods: Blood samples and vaginal secretions were drawn from 75 PFs divided into three groups: coinfection (n = 25), monoinfection (n = 25), and control PFs (n = 25) who are presumed healthy subjects. Blood samples were analyzed for HCV detection based on conserved 5' untranslated region via real-time polymerase chain reaction and hematological parameters. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and peroxidase) and antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were checked in plasma as well as vaginal secretions of patients among all three groups.

Results: Hematological analysis reveals that hemoglobin levels, platelets, and lymphocytes decreased significantly (p < 0.050) among the coinfection followed by mono-infection group compared to the control group. Moreover, the higher isolation frequency of pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter spp.) and Nugent score trend was observed among the coinfection group. Antioxidant levels were significantly lower (p < 0.050) among the vaginal secretions and blood plasma of patients having coinfection with respect to the mono-infection and control groups. While oxidative stress marker was significantly highest (p < 0.050) among vaginal secretions and blood plasma of coinfection followed by mono-infection and control group. These results validate that overall redox severity was more among the coinfection compared to the mono-infection and control groups.

Conclusions: Redox indexes should be considered in early diagnosis and treatment of HCV and BV coinfection which may also facilitate the better treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and vaginal apoptosis.