Molecular assessment of lab. diagnosis of urogenital trichomoniasis

In the detection of T.vaginalis infection, the traditional methods based on microscopy often have low sensitivity. In this study, an assay based on a reagent test for detecting antigen in vaginal swab, Real-time PCR and latex agglutination test have both been compared with the broth culture methods "gold standard" for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. A total of 297 female patients attending Bashier Hospital aged between 18 -50 years old were enrolled in the present study .All patients were known to have T.vaginalis infection. Demographic and clinical data were collected for statistical studies from each patient according to a pre-designed questionnaire. A total of five vaginal swabs were taken from each patient to assess the sensitivity of the real time polymerase chain reaction, latex agglutination test, Microscopic examination technique and different cultures techniques for the diagnosis of T.vaginalis. The results revealed that the detection of antigen in vaginal swab using the Real-time PCR and latex agglutination test was more effective than microscopic examination and culture techniques in the diagnosis of T.vaginalis infection.