A novel method to increase the viability of Trichomonas vaginalis in urine.
OBJECTIVE
Two of the major diagnostic methods for Trichomonas vaginalis, wet mount and culture, rely on the continued viability of the organism. Methods to increase the viability of T. vaginalis in urine are needed.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to develop a method that increases the time of viability of T. vaginalis in urine.


METHODS
Urine samples were inoculated with trichomonads, held at either room temperature or 37 degrees C, and processed through a column and frit, which was then placed in either a tube of culture medium containing antibiotics or a TV InPouch.


RESULTS
The column and polyethylene frit system was found to increase the duration of viability for T. vaginalis from urine specimens at least 6-fold.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel method, which uses a column and frit system to increase the duration of viability of the organism, has the potential to increase the sensitivity of diagnostic tests.
Shafir
Shira C
SC
Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA. sshafir@ucla.edu
Sorvillo
Frank J
FJ
Upcroft
Jacqui A
JA
Upcroft
Peter
P
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000652:urine; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods*