Article

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)

The importance of understanding the cause of TV and its effects

With an estimated 276.4 million cases per year, and with an associated two- to three-fold increased risk for HIV acquisition, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is one of the most common and arguably most important sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1,2

While TV is a highly curable parasitic infection, 70%–85% of people infected show minimal or no symptoms. This contributes to a significant amount of silent transmission between partners, increasing the prevalence of disease immensely.2

If left undiagnosed and untreated, TV can lead to urethritis and chronic prostatitis in males. Females may experience pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, there is increased risk for acquisition of HIV infection in both sexes if infected with TV.2

With limited worldwide surveillance and increasing incidence, TV represents a rapidly growing health challenge. Frequent and accurate diagnostic testing is a key strategic pillar for managing infection rates and informing effective treatment.

making routine tv testing tangible image
Making routine TV testing tangible

Today, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is the easiest and most reliable method to detect the parasite. However, TV is currently not included in most STI screening programs, leaving this often-asymptomatic infection unchecked.

Fortunately, TV is included in some high-quality multiplex assays that can identify several STIs simultaneously from a single sample.

Slowing the spread starts with testing

Roche understands the critical role laboratories play in managing Trichomonas vaginalis infections. From supporting clinical decision-making to informing research on pathogenesis, reliable results can have a wide-reaching effect. Using well-designed assays that run on flexible systems, laboratories can efficiently process a high number of samples across a wide variety of sample types to meet the needs of customers and communities.

Slowing the spread starts with screening

References

  1. World Health Organization. Global incidence and prevalence of selected curable sexually transmitted infections, 2008. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/75181/9789241503839_eng.pdf. Accessed October 2023.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trichomoniasis. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/trichomoniasis.htm. Accessed October 2023.