Comparative study between different methods for diagnosing vaginal trichomoniasis

ABSTRACT

This study, started in 1st of October 1991 and ended in 30th of September 1992, included 300 cases presenting to Obstetric and Gynecological Outpatient Clinic at Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Different methods for diagnosing Trichomonas vaginalis such as Wetmount smear culture, Papanicolaou stain and colposcopic examination, were done to the cases aiming to point out the most sensitive method of diagnosis. 46% [138 out of 300 cases] had positive T. vaginalis by culture method. The wet mount examination had 38% [114 out of 300 cases] positive cases for T. vaginalis. It gave 8% false -ve results compared with culture results. The Papanicolaou modified stain showed 12.3% positive T-V, which made this method not sensitive and having a false -ve results. The colposcopic abnormal finding was found in 75% of cases giving a high false +ve results compared with culture results. The highest rate of infection with T. vaginalis was among infertility cases [62%] followed by intrauterine contraceptive device [IUCD] users [55.7%], and grand multipara [50%]