Abstract
BackgroundThe methods routinely used to detect trichomonads in the lungs are not sensitive enough, and an effective method is urgently needed.MethodPrimers were first designed to match the conserved area of the 18S rRNA gene of trichomonads. Then, nested PCR was carried out to detect trichomonads in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Finally, all positive specimens were subjected to DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsAmong 115 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples, ten samples tested positive in nested PCR (10/115), while no samples were positive in wet mount microscopy (0/115) (P < 0.01). Among the ten positive specimens, two were identified as Tetratrichomonas spp. and the other eight as Trichomonas tenax in phylogenetic analysis.ConclusionsNested PCR is an effective way to detect trichomonads in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Highlights
The methods routinely used to detect trichomonads in the lungs are not sensitive enough, and an effective method is urgently needed
Sensitivity and specificity of the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay To compare the detection limit of the nested PCR assay with microscopy, serially diluted bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) containing T. vaginalis (0.1, 1, 10, 102 trichomonads/μl) were used as the target, and all samples were analyzed in triplicate
Our studies have shown that the nested PCR that we designed can detect trichomonads in BALF specimens in a sensitive and specific manner
Summary
Trichomonads are a type of parasitic flagellate protozoan of the genus that are found in the digestive and reproductive systems of man and animals. They frequently colonize the human lungs, but this condition is unfamiliar to most physicians [1, 2]. Several kinds of trichomonads can infect the lungs, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichomonas tenax, Pentatrichomonas hominis, and Tetratrichomonas spp [3,4,5,6]. Microscopic detection is the most common approach for testing trichomonads in the clinic. Many epithelial cells of lung alveoli move to trichomonads, which could impede trichomonad detection [1, 9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
