Evaluation of the OSOM Trichomonas rapid test for detection of Trichomoniasis vaginalis

ABSTRACT

Trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most widely prevalent non viral sexually transmitted infection in the world. Wet mount [WM] microscopy is the most common diagnostic method although its sensitivity is not satisfactory. The aim of the present study is to compare the diagnostic value of OSOM Trichomonas rapid test [OSOM Trich] with conventional diagnostic techniques and PCR for T. vaginalis infection. 128 samples were collected from symptomatic females. Samples were subjected to WM examination, culture, PCR and OSOM Trich test [an immunochromatography based test] for the detection of T. vaginalis. Of the 128 examined samples, PCR detected 14 positive samples, culture detected 13 samples, WM detected 9 samples, while OSOM Trich detected 12 of the PCR positive samples plus one false positive case. Sensitivity of culture, WM and OSOM Trich were 92.9%, 64.3% and 85.7% respectively, while specificity was 100%, 100% and 99.1%, respectively. OSOM Trich showed slightly lower sensitivity and specificity than culture, yet proved simple, rapid with no need for an equipped laboratory or a trained technician. The test is also economically acceptable, it can be used as a spot routine testing method for improving detection of T. vaginalis cases