Very common, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite, called trichomonas. It is characterized by vaginitis in women and urethritis in men. However, this STI is asymptomatic in 50% of cases, especially in men.
Trichomoniasis: a new test to improve screening
In France, screening for trichomoniasis is carried out using a PCR test on the first urinary stream in men, and on a cervico-vaginal sample or on the first urinary stream in women. The results are then delivered a few hours following this sampling.
Due to the absence of symptoms, screening for trichomoniasis is sometimes neglected, which promotes the proliferation of this STI. Researchers at Washington State University have therefore developed a new rapid diagnostic test to detect the parasite responsible for this disease. The results of this work have been published in the journal Pathogens.
“This STI is perhaps the most overlooked among other curable STIs. In medicine, we haven’t done a good job of education. One of the main problems is that most people are asymptomatic. In other words, you can have it, but you don’t know you have it until you have a more serious health condition.” John Alderete, lead author of the study and professor at Washington State University’s School of Molecular Biosciences, said in a statement.
An inexpensive and rapid test to detect trichomoniasis
During their study, the scientists developed a test, which, thanks to a drop of blood taken during a finger prick, makes it possible to detect an antibody specific to the trichomonas parasite. As with a Covid-19 self-test or a pregnancy test, the patient places the droplet of blood on a strip. After a few minutes, aA window with a dot appears, in case of a positive result. The test’s development cost is less than $20, making it affordable for patients and more suitable for mass production, the researchers said.
Following his positive test, a patient infected with trichomoniasis can go to his doctor to start antiparasitic treatment.
