Analysis of human vaginal secretions using rabbit anti-human vaginal secretions: detection of non-serum proteins.

The antigens detectable in human vaginal secretions (HVS) have been analyzed by using a rabbit anti-HVS serum. After absorption by a pool of human sera, this antiserum on immunoelectrophoretic analysis produced three precipitation lines between the HVS and the antiserum. These lines were found at gamma (a line), beta-gamma (b line) and beta (c line) globulin regions. Their respective incidences of appearance among 59 HVS specimens obtained from 50 women were 46 (78%), 56 (95%) and 29 (49%). Of these HVS specimens, 57 (97%) were positive for one or more of these antigens. These three antigens, a, b, and c can be considered useful markers to determine the presence of the HVS. The origin of the HVS proteins and the influence of the non-serum proteins from the upper genital tracts are also discussed.