Use of an adaptation of a commercially available PCR assay aimed at diagnosis of chlamydia and gonorrhea to detect Trichomonas vaginalis in urogenital specimens

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Feb;44(2):366-73. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.2.366-373.2006.

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis PCR using reagents from a commercially available assay for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was evaluated for detection of infection in women and men attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Evaluations included three primer sets, endocervical swabs, vaginal swabs and urine, and various storage conditions. The TVK3/TVK7 primer set was optimal in our hands with sensitivities ranging from 69.5 to 96.8%. In all comparisons, T. vaginalis PCR performed better than routine diagnostics using microscopy for women and culture for men (P > 0.05). The assay performed well for all sample types tested, and vaginal swabs were stable for up to 7 days at ambient temperature. Using samples prepared for, and reagents from, the C. trachomatis-N. gonorrhoeae PCR assay allowed incorporation of T. vaginalis PCR diagnosis into routine clinical testing.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cervix Uteri / parasitology
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • DNA Primers
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*
  • Specimen Handling
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / diagnosis*
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / parasitology
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / genetics
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / isolation & purification*
  • Urine / parasitology
  • Vagina / parasitology

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic