Comparison of Three Methods of Clinical Diagnosis, Microscopic and PCR Techniques for Detection of Trichomoniasis in Women in the Yasuj City

Trichomoniasis is a protozoan disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and the most common non- viral sexually transmitted disease. It is the third most common agent of vaginitis. Diagnosis of the disease is based on laboratory wet smear test. In this study, we compared three methods (Clinical diagnosis, Microscopic and Polymerase Chain Reaction) who refered to Yasuj University Women’s clinic.in this cross- sectional study, 100 women with vaginitis clinical symptoms selected and after clinical diagnosis, their personal information recorded in a separate questionnaire. Vaginal samples prepared for wet smear test and PCR. Their vaginal discharge was studied in 100 patients, 23(23%) cases of clinical examination, Trichomoniasis infection was diagnosed and also 33(33%) cases infected Trichomoniasis in combination with other vaginitis. 41(41%) were positive in direct microscopic observation and 11(11%) cases were positive by PCR. From 41 positive cases in wet smear diagnosis, 28 cases were positive in clinical diagnosis, from 11 positive cases in PCR method, only 4 cases is positive in wet smear diagnosis and 4 cases is positive in clinical diagnosis. Statistically, was not found significant differences between diagnosis the clinical, microscopic and PCR. Also was not found significant difference between clinical Symptoms and diagnosis of Trichomoniasis, therefore the clinical signs alone cannot be used in the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis and the reliance on clinical diagnosis of Trichomoniasis in more than 60% positive cases, which are not detected as a result of the treatment are unnecessary. PCR has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% which can be quickly and accurately identify the correct data and be treated properly. Improved T. vaginalis control efforts are imperative and require better disease recognition, clinical application of sensitive nucleic acid–based tests, and management of sexual partners.