Is it possible that a common sexually transmitted infection is underestimated and misunderstood? Early detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is the main way to prevent serious complications. in the future. It is important to recognize their danger and to be able to take the necessary measures to prevent their spread and appropriate treatment. Often, some of these infections do not receive the attention they deserve, and one of them is Trichomonas vaginalis, a disease that, although common, is still underestimated.
Like her, there are many other STDs that affect all people, of all ages and genders. At Ambar Lab, our work consists of performing high precision clinical analysis to meet the needs of our customers. In order for you to understand the nature of Trichomonas vaginalis, we tell you how this infection is diagnosed, what methods exist for its detection and how advances in molecular technology, such as molecular panels, have significantly improved diagnosis.
What are STDs?
First, we must begin by understanding what sexually transmitted diseases are: they are infections that are spread primarily through sexual contactvaginal, anal or oral. Although some of them may not present immediate symptoms, many can cause long-term complications if not diagnosed in time. Within this group, there is a wide variety of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.
Types of sexually transmitted pathogens
Desde Ambar Lab, detallamos algunos de los patógenos más comunes asociados a las ETS:
Chlamydia trachomatis
This bacterium is one of the main causes of STDs, especially urethritis and cervicitis. It is very prevalent in both men and women and often has no obvious symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, that mainly affects the genital mucous membranes, but can also invade other sites such as the throat and rectum. Symptoms include genital discharge, painful urination and, in some cases, abdominal pain. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the reproductive tract and increase the risk of HIV.
Mycoplasma genitalium
A pathogen that has been associated with urinary and reproductive infections, especially urethritis and cervicitis. Although it is less well known than other STD pathogens, Mycoplasma genitalium can be resistant to certain antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.
Mycoplasma hominis
This microorganism is common in the female genital tract and can cause infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes). Often, it does not produce clear symptoms, but in severe cases it can cause reproductive problems or complications during pregnancy.
Ureaplasma urealyticum y Ureaplasma parvum
They are part of the normal bacterial flora of the genital tract, but under certain circumstances they can cause infections. They are associated with urethritis, epididymitis in men and reproductive problems in women, such as pregnancy complications.
Trichomonas vaginalis
This protozoan parasite is the cause of trichomoniasis, one of the most common infections, especially in women. It usually causes abnormal vaginal discharge, itching and painful urination, although many people may be asymptomatic. Although more common in women, it can also affect men.
Treponema pallidum
the bacteria responsible for syphilis, one of the oldest and most dangerous STDs if left untreated. Initially, it causes painless ulcers in the genital area, but if undetected and untreated, it can progress to more serious stages and affect organs such as the heart, brain and eyes.
Haemophilus ducreyi
It is the pathogen responsible for chancroid, an ulcerative genital infection characterized by painful sores on the genitals. It is often associated with increased susceptibility to HIV, as ulcers facilitate transmission of the virus.
Candidiasis
Candida yeast infection is quite common, especially in women, and manifests itself in the form of vaginal itching, thick white discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. Although it is not an STD in the strict sense, it can be sexually transmitted and aggravate symptoms.
Genital herpes
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is responsible for painful sores on the genitals, which may appear and disappear over time. It should be noted that doesn’t have a cure, but there are treatments available to help control outbreaks. It is highly contagious, and the virus can be transmitted even when there are no active symptoms.
Citomegalovirus
This virus, which is part of the herpesvirus family, can cause serious complications, especially prevalent in people with weakened immune systems. Although in healthy people it generally does not present serious symptoms, it can affect the fertility and generate complications during pregnancy
Traditional methods of diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis
The diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis has evolved over time, but traditional methods are still used in many cases:
Microscopic examination
This method involves direct observation of vaginal specimens under the microscope to identify the parasite. It is not a quick process, so the accuracy of this test may be compromised due to the quality of the specimen or the skill of the technician.
Cultivation
On the other hand, sample culture is a more accurate option than microscopic examination, since it allows the growth of the parasite in a suitable medium. However, it has limitations in terms of time, because the results may take several days.
Antigen testing
Its main objective is to search for the presence of proteins specific for the parasite in the specimens. Although they are faster than cultures, their sensitivity is limited, which can lead to false-negative results.
Diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis by means of molecular panels
With the advancement of technology, molecular panels have become a superior alternative for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis. Through DNA amplification techniques, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), can detect the presence of the parasite quickly and accurately. These methods have several advantages:
Specificity and sensitivity
Molecular panels are extremely specific and sensitive, which means that they can detect even small amounts of Trichomonas vaginalis in the samples. As a result, the risk of false negatives, which is more common in traditional methods, is significantly reduced.
Fast results
Unlike cultures, molecular panels can provide results in a much shorter time frame, allowing healthcare professionals to initiate treatment more immediately.
Increased accuracy
Thanks to their high accuracy, molecular panels offer greater reliability in the identification of Trichomonas vaginalis and other STDs, allowing better treatment decisions to be made.
Better early detection
Molecular methods make it possible to detect infection at very early stages, even before symptoms appear, which contributes to a more controlled spread of the disease.
Technology that makes the difference
Early diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis is crucial to prevent long-term complications. While traditional methods have been useful for years, modern technology has revolutionized the way we diagnose this infection. Molecular panels, with their high specificity and sensitivity, offer a more effective solution to detect the parasite more quickly and accurately.
At Ambar Lab, as a reference laboratory in special tests, we are proud to offer advanced technology for the diagnosis of different types of diseases. Our team of diagnostic laboratory performs customized analysis to ensure accurate results.
If you are looking for a fast, accurate and reliable diagnosis, please contact us for more information or to request a consultation. We are committed to your health and well-being.
