DETECTION OF TRICHOMONDETECTION OF TRICHOMONAS VAGNALIS AMONG WOMEN WITH STERILE PYURIA USING CONVENTIONAL PCR TECHNIQUEAS VAGNALIS AMONG WOMEN WITH STERILE PYURIA USING CONVENTIONAL PCR TECHNIQUE
Abstract
https://doi.org/10.31386/dmj.2025.19.2.8
Abstract
Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan and the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease (STD) worldwide, often presenting asymptomatically. T. vaginalis is also recognized as a significant cause of sterile pyuria, characterized by the presence of pus cells in urine without bacterial growth. The main aim of the current study is to detect T. vaginalis in women with sterile pyuria using conventional PCR technique.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 at Duhok Maternity Hospital and the Central Public Health Laboratory. The study included 150 clean-catch midstream urine samples categorized into three groups: pregnant women, non-pregnant women, and healthy individuals. Urine samples with no growth or non-significant growth, alongside more than 10 pus cells per high power field were considered sterile pyuria. DNA extraction was performed directly from 100 sterile pyuria samples and tested for T. vaginalis by PCR technique using species specific primers.
Results: T. vaginalis was detected in 57.3% of all the participants with the highest prevalence noted in pregnant women (62%), followed by non-pregnant women (58%) and the control groups (52%). Detection rates varied by ages with the highest rate (68.8%) found in non-pregnant women aged 37–46. No significant association was found between pregnancy status and the prevalence of T. vaginalis (p = 0.596).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that T. vaginalis is the main infectious causes of sterile pyuria particularly among pregnant women and is highly prevalent as an asymptomatic infection in the area. PCR technique should be used to detect this infection early, avoid missed diagnoses, and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
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Duhok Medical Journal (DMJ)
College of Medicine, University of Duhok
Duhok, Iraq
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