Detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in Women Using PCR
Author Information
Author(s): J. Jeremias, D. Draper, M. Ziegert, W. Jones, S. Inglis, J.A. McGregor, S.S. Witkin
Primary Institution: Cornell University Medical College
Hypothesis
Can a newly developed PCR assay effectively identify Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal samples from pregnant and non-pregnant women?
Conclusion
PCR is a rapid and sensitive method for detecting T. vaginalis infections in both symptomatic and asymptomatic women.
Supporting Evidence
- Among symptomatic women, 13.5% tested positive for T. vaginalis by PCR.
- 10 out of 131 asymptomatic pregnant women were PCR-positive for T. vaginalis.
- PCR was more sensitive than culture in detecting T. vaginalis in symptomatic women.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special test called PCR to find a germ called Trichomonas vaginalis in women, even if they don't have any symptoms.
Methodology
The study compared PCR and culture methods for detecting T. vaginalis in vaginal samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic women.
Limitations
PCR results were not available to clinicians at the time of testing, and subjects were not treated based on PCR findings.
Participant Demographics
52 non-pregnant women with symptoms of vaginitis and 131 asymptomatic pregnant women aged 15-40.
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