New rapid latex agglutination test for diagnosing Trichomonas vaginalis infection

A newly developed latex agglutination test for Trichomonas vaginalis infection was compared for sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, and positive and negative predictive values with microscopy, culture, and an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of 395 women attending a genitourinary medicine clinic. T vaginalis infection was diagnosed in 42 (11%) women. The sensitivities of both the latex agglutination test and the ELISA were 95% compared with 74% for microscopy and 76% for culture. The latex test was specific and showed no cross reaction with a wide range of other genital tract infections. The latex agglutination test can detect antigen in both soluble and insoluble forms, and as it is simple to perform, can be undertaken during routine examination without recourse to special equipment or training. Further evaluation is required.