Identification of
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections is problematic. The demanding nature of this fragile organism outside its ideal living conditions, compounded with the poor sensitivity of wet mount microscopy and time delays for conclusive diagnosis from culture methods, makes detection of this asymptomatic infection a challenge. Symptoms alone are insufficient to diagnose a TV infection. In women, the characteristics of vaginal discharge, color and odor, are poor predictors of this commonly asymptomatic infection.
1 TV was found in over 73% of the male partners of women with trichomoniasis.
2To prevent serial reinfection, all recent and current sex partners of patients with acute, persistent, or recurrent trichomoniasis should be treated or referred for treatment regardless of symptoms.
3What would help laboratories offering TV testing?- Accurate, reliable, and reproducible tests
- Test indications for male and female specimens
- Elimination of repetitive microscopy readings
- Less time preparing samples and reagents
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trichomoniasis —CDC Fact Sheet. Accessed Aug 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
(2) Van Gerwen O, et al. Epidemiology, Natural History, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis in Men. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Jun 3; ciab514.
(3) Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021;70 (No. RR-4):1–187.
* Early Assay Termination for positive results.