[Comparison of latex agglutination test with conventional methods for diagnosis of trichomoniasis]

Swabs of the genito-urinary tract of 638 women were taken and subsequently examined with the use of the latex agglutination test (LAT). The results were compared with wet mounts and cultures. The sensitivity of these methods were: 98, 30.7, and 46.1; the specificity: 99.8, 100, and 100; the usefulness: 99.5, 94.4, and 95.6, respectively. In acute trichomoniasis the results of LAT and the conventional methods were almost identical but in the chronic and asymptomatic forms of the disease, the results obtained with the use of LAT were better whereas the conventional methods were of little significance. Any cross-reactivity of specific anti-Trichomonas vaginalis immunoglobulin G was observed neither between the antigens of fungi from the genus Candida nor between bacteria. Quantitative analysis of this new test indicates that the use of the latex reagent prepared in our laboratory makes it possible to detect the soluble T. vaginalis antigens in concentration of 50 ng/ml. Our results indicate that as a very sensitive and specific test, LAT can be useful in the diagnosis of asymptomatic trichomoniasis when the microscopic examination and culture are ineffective.