Specialized Questions

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced within white blood cells (neutrophils) as part of the degradative respiratory pathway. This pathway plays an important role in the destruction of microorganisms by neutrophils. Neutrophils are a group of immune cells that protect a person against infections by using complex antimicrobial strategies, including xenophagy (phagocytosis) and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps from the body.

This compound is effective against all types of gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. HOCl, as an oxidative agent, causes damage to the cell wall and membrane of bacteria, and by binding to DNA, it causes damage to the genetic material inside it.

The female genital tract (vagina) is a suitable place for the growth and reproduction of various bacteria. Microorganisms in any part of this area can cause infection. Vaginitis occurs more than any other disease in women, which is accompanied by symptoms such as excessive discharge, unpleasant odor, irritation, burning and itching.

Today, using DNA sequencing technology, more than 250 bacterial strains living in the vagina (natural flora) have been identified. The activity of the natural flora of the vagina, which often includes lactobacilli, maintains acidic conditions and pH about 4 to 5 during puberty, which is necessary to prevent bacterial diseases, but these conditions can be varied in different periods of life and sexual changes.

The change in the natural flora of the vagina has increased the replacement of microorganisms that cause bacterial infection, which leads to the lack of production of H2O2 by lactobacilli living in the vagina, and as a result, disrupting the natural conditions of the vagina, and this ultimately provides the basis for contracting various sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact and cause disease. Various pathogens with bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic origin play a role in the occurrence of these diseases.

According to the report of the World Health Organization, in 2021, one million sexually transmitted infections occurred daily, most of which were asymptomatic. Every year, millions of cases of infection are caused by herpes virus (genital herpes), human papilloma virus (genital warts). Other etiologic agents of vaginitis are:

Chlamydiosis (Chlamydia trachomatis)

Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)

Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)

Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis)