Use of culture and immunochromatographic technique for diagnosis of trichomoniasis in Sri Lanka

H Banneheke,S Prathanapan,G De Silva,N Fernando,R Fernandopulle

doi:10.4038/cmj.v58i3.6105

H Banneheke, S Prathanapan + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v58i3.6105

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Abstract

As a majority of the trichomoniasis patients are asymptomatic, laboratory tests are crucial in case detection. The usefulness of culture and immunochromatographic technique (ICT) compared to microscopy for detection of trichomoniasis in Sri Lanka was assessed. Females (16-45 years) from Colombo district were screened for Trichomonas vaginalis using three laboratory tests namely, microscopy of wet smear, Trichomonas liquid culture and ICT (OSOM® trichomonas rapid test). Trichomoniasis by at least one test being positive was 4.8%. Microscopy, culture and ICT detected 2.8%, 4.2% and 10% cases respectively. Microscopy missed 32% of culture positives. ICT is a simple, practical and reliable alternative to microscopy in laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

Highlights

Trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginal is is a sexually transmitted infection, accounting for an annual incidence of 174 million cases with 44% (76.5 million) occurring in South and South East Asia [1]
No studies have been done on the use of immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis in Sri Lanka
The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of culture and ICT compared to wet mount in the Sri Lankan setting

Summary

Introduction

Trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginal is is a sexually transmitted infection, accounting for an annual incidence of 174 million cases with 44% (76.5 million) occurring in South and South East Asia [1]. The prevalence of T.vaginalis in clinic based populations in Sri Lanka has varied from 4.4%-7.2% [2,3]. The prevalence of asymptomatic infection may vary from 50%-85% in females, screening is vital for case detection [4]. Other investigations include microscopy of stained preparations, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for Trichomonas antigens. No studies have been done on the use of ICT for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis in Sri Lanka. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of culture and ICT compared to wet mount in the Sri Lankan setting

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