Effects of Streptococcus agalactiae pili protein on IL-17 and IgG expression in the rat's vagina

Streptococcus agalatiae pili protein is an important adhesin in promoting bacteria colonization, persistence, and biofilm production. It causes women genital tract infections. IL17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that protects against microbial infections in vaginal tissue by maintaining barrier integrity. IgG is an antibody promoting immunity and host defense in the genital by binding to FcRn. This study aims to determine the effect of Streptococcus agalactiae pili protein on the IL17 and IgG expression in the Rattus norvegicus vagina. The research was conducted in a true experimental randomized post-test-only control group design. A total of 25 rats were divided into 5 groups: 2 control groups (distilled water and Freunds adjuvant), 3 treated groups (25ug/mL, 50ug/mL, 75ug/mL of Streptococcus agalactiae pili protein). The vaginal tissue slide was examined for IL17 and IgG expression using immunohistochemical techniques. The IHC results were quantified with ImageJ software and analyzed. IL17 and IgG expression data were analyzed with Kruskall Wallis test and Anova test. The optimal dose to provide IL17 immune response was 25ug/mL, whether IgG was 75ug/mL. Thus, Streptococcus agalactiae pili protein may increase the expression of IL17 and IgG in the Rattus norvegicus vagina