Association Between RBC Folate and Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection among Women

Abstract

Background Increased folic acid has been found to be latently protective against gynecological infection, including several kinds of vaginosis. In this study, we laid the emphasis on whether red blood cell (RBC) folate status was associated with the infectious ratio of Trichomonas vaginalis, a kind of anaerobic parasitic protozoan. Methods We set RBC folate as the dependent variable and Trichomonas vaginalis as the targeted independent variable. Other subsidiary variables were regarded as confounding variables and potential modifiers that may work as a potential role. The cross-sectional study was conducted with two merged waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2004, and a sample of 1274 eligible women (1212 negativeand 62 positivein Trichomonas vaginalis infection) was integrated for exploration. Multivariate regression analyses, subgroup analyses, and subsequent smooth curve fittings were conducted to estimate the relationship between RBC folate and Trichomonas vaginalis in a specific gender. Results In the results of multivariable logistic regression analyses, a negative association was observed between stratified RBC folate status and Trichomonas vaginalis infection with all confounders adjusted. Referencing the lowest RBC folate concentration quartile, the higher concentration quartiles reported a relatively lower infection ratio, while there was a weak correlation between total RBC folate concentration and T.v. infection. In subgroup analyses, this association did not differ among the stratified groups. Conclusions The cross-sectional study indicated a negative association between RBC folic acid and Trichomonas vaginalis infection.