Insights into trichomoniasis as a result of highly sensitive molecular diagnostics screening in a high-prevalence sexually transmitted infection community

Abstract

We briefly examine the clinical significance and pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis and provide a comprehensive summary of non-molecular and molecular diagnostics for the organism. Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) identifies more cases of trichomoniasis than other detection modalities. In our high-prevalence sexually transmitted infection community, TMA has allowed us to investigate female and male trichomoniasis epidemiology. Distribution of the organism is community-wide and similar between Caucasian-majority geographical areas and African–American-majority locales. First-void urine provides an excellent means for laboratory diagnosis of T. vaginalis in both genders. While trichomoniasis affects older age demographics, urine screening in younger females demonstrates elevated T. vaginalis prevalence. These data promote widespread adoption of TMA for diagnosis of T. vaginalis and further epidemiological assessments. Since trichomoniasis is the most-prevalent non-viral etiology of sexually transmitted infection worldwide, utilization of TMA would enhance accurate treatment with oral nitroimidazole agents that have cure rates of 90–100%.

Keywords::

• antigen testing
• epidemiology
• male screening
• nucleic acid hybridization
• sexually transmitted infections
• transcription-mediated amplification
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• wet mount

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Munson E has received travel assistance and honoraria from Gen-Probe. Napierala M has received travel assistance from Gen-Probe. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.