Tests used to diagnose Trichomonas vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is a gynecological inflammation caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, with increased leucorrhea, thin foam, foul odor, and vaginal itching as the main symptoms. The following examination methods are often used in clinical diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginitis:

Hanging drop method

The hanging drop method is the simplest method for checking vaginal Trichomonas, with a positive rate of 80%-90%. Apply the specimen on a glass slide, add 1 drop of saline and cover the slide, and examine under a 100-200 times microscope. The flagella of the protozoa can be seen to be waving and the membrane activity can be seen. Add 5% neutral red to the saline. The trichomonas cannot die and will not be colored, but a pink color will form around it, which is easy to recognize for white protozoa. Alternatively, drop 1 drop of 1600 times acridine orange solution on a fresh specimen and observe under a fluorescence microscope. The parasite body can be seen to have a light yellow-green fluorescence. The direct microscopic examination method has a very high detection rate.

Smear staining

The secretion is smeared on a glass slide and then stained with different stains after it is dried naturally, such as Gram stain, Wright stain, Giemsa stain, PAS stain and Leishman stain. This method can not only see the shape and content of Trichomonas, but also other microorganisms in the vagina. Acridine orange staining and fluorescence microscopy can also be used.

Cultivation method

Add vaginal secretions or urethral secretions to the culture medium and culture it in a 37°C incubator for 48 hours. Inoculate once every 72 hours, take one drop of the culture mixture for smear, stain and examine under a microscope.

Immunological methods

It can detect specific antigens of Trichomonas vaginalis. Commonly used immunological methods include fluorescent antibody test, ELISA method, latex agglutination method, etc. The positive rate is higher than the smear method, but immunological methods are generally not used in clinical examination.