Suboptimal \u3cem\u3eTrichomonas vaginalis\u3c/em\u3e Antigen Test Performance in a Low-Prevalence Sexually Transmitted Infection Community

Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral etiology of sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. The OSOM Trichomonas rapid test (OSOM; Sekisui Diagnostics, San Diego, CA) is a rapid surrogate to microscopic analysis in symptomatic patients, but its performance in low-prevalence STI populations has been assessed on a limited basis in the literature. OSOM has widespread usage, as accreditation data from the College of American Pathologists report that over 300 participant laboratories utilize this assay on an annual basis. We sought to characterize the analytical and clinical performance of OSOM in a low-prevalence STI population on the basis of a commercial transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) reference

Update on Laboratory Diagnosis and Epidemiology of \u3cem\u3eTrichomonas vaginalis\u3c/em\u3e: You Can Teach an “Old” Dog “New” Trichs

Past viewpoints on Trichomonas vaginalis infection have characterized the associated clinical disease as a “nuisance” condition, with affected demographics largely being older African American females residing in urban centers. The advent of commercial molecular assays specific for T. vaginalis has offered a new outlook on trichomoniasis. Within high-prevalence sexually transmitted infection populations, parasite distribution is not localized to specific population centers, and T. vaginalis prevalence is elevated among both younger and older age groups. Adaptation of these molecular assays can additionally facilitate male screening and subsequent epidemiologic characterization. These findings, combined with associations between T. vaginalis infection and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition/transmission and persistent human papillomavirus infection, support consideration of the expansion of T. vaginalis screening efforts in the realms of clinical practice and public health

A Seniors Guide to Finding Success in College

Incoming college freshmen are bombarded with ways to succeed in the classroom immediately as they inter a college campus. With access to many resources to improve academics it can be perceived that academics are the only success needed to succeed in college. To the contrary, other factors including personal financial management and extracurricular activities will have a strong affect on students as they graduate and move into their professional careers. This research explores studies and personal accounts of what skills students will need to succeed after college and connects societal functioning and college success

Molecular Diagnostics Update for the Emerging (If Not Already Widespread) Sexually Transmitted Infection Agent \u3cem\u3eMycoplasma genitalium\u3c/em\u3e: Just About Ready for Prime Time

Mycoplasma genitalium is an important and emerging agent of sexually transmitted infection in females and males, carrying the potential for postinfection genital tract sequelae. Past efforts to identify this organism on a routine basis, which were problematic due to the fastidious nature of the bacterium and its antigenic intricacies, have recently become supplemented by molecular diagnostics. A number of these assays are available commercially. This minireview describes the format and performance indices of a number of M. genitalium DNA- and RNA-based amplification assays; many of these assays have contributed to an improved clinical and epidemiologic understanding of this organism