Abstract
Objective: To compare the sensitivity of PCR, wet preparation and culture in
detecting Trichomonas vaginalis in urine and vaginal fluid.
Methods: A PCR targeting the beta-tubulin genes of T. vaginalis was used for the
detection of the organism in both vaginal swab and urine specimens from infected
patients. Random urine samples were collected from 30 patients (23 females and 7
males), and tested for T. vaginalis by wet preparation and the Inpouch T. vaginalis
culture systeme. Two vaginal swabs were collected by each woman. PCR detection.
was carried out on samples negative by first methods.
Results: The positive result was found in 28.57% in male urine and 39.13% in female
urine samples, 65.21% in 1st swab and 78.26 % in 2nd swab by wet preparation. By
culture, the male urine samples showed 42.85% positive, female urine 69.56% while
1st swab showed 86.95% positive and 2nd swab 91.30% positive. All negative cases by
culture in urine and vaginal samples were tested by PCR, which showed 2 cases to be
positive in male urine samples and 5 cases positive in female urine sample.
Conclusion: PCR assay was as good as or more sensitive than wet preparation and
culture and resulted in practical advantage of providing results in shorter time.
However, PCR test is still very expensive. (Rawal Med J 2007;32:36-38)

Key words: Trichomonas, vaginitis, STD, PCR.