Objective: To study the role of monocytes in the pathogenesis of genital herpes. Methods: TNF- α and IL-6 levels in 27 cases of genital herpes were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). HLA class Ⅱ antigen expression on monocytes were detected by an alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase method. Results: Compared with normal controls, levels of TNF- a and IL - 6 secreted by monocytes responding to LPS mitogen in vitro were significantly decreased [(3.13 ± 0.44ng/ml) vs (4.68 ± 0.54ng/ml), P<0.05 and (3.32 ± 1.06ng/ml) vs (6.46 ± 1.94ng/ ml), P<0.05, respectively]. HLA class Ⅱ antigen expression on monocytes in the genital herpes group was also significantly decreased [HLA-DR (67.48% ± 1.51%) vs (81.03% ± 1.32%), P<0.01 and HLA-DQ (29.54% ± 1.15%) vs (37.63% ± 1.79%), P <0.01 respectively]. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the decreased monocyte function may contribute to the pathogenesis of genital herpes. Augmenting or inducing monocyte function may be important in the prevention, treatment, and reduction of genital herpes cases.
