Clinical Information

Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative, TMA, Males - The Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, Qualitative Transcription- Mediated Amplification, Males assay is a nucleic acid amplification test that uses TMA for detection of T. vaginalis RNA in male urethral swabs or urine. It is used in the screening and diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, with an estimated 1.1 million new cases each year. It is curable. About 70% of people infected with T. vaginalis are asymptomatic, though symptoms may show up after the infection has been present for some time. In men, symptoms include genital itching or irritation, burning after urination or ejaculation, and penile discharge.

In men, T. vaginalis is associated with nongonococcal urethritis and chronic prostatitis. T. vaginalis is also a risk factor for HIV transmission and infection in men, as it increases HIV excretion in semen. Because of the high rate of reinfection, individuals infected with T. vaginalis should return 3 months post-treatment to be retested.

Men with urethritis and other symptoms of T. vaginalis, as well as those who are clinically suspected of having T. vaginalis, should be tested. In a study of 298 men, TMA-based testing for T. vaginalis had a sensitivity of 91.7%, using either urine or urethral swab specimens; specificity was 91.9% for urine and 86.7% for urethral swab specimens.

A "detected" result is consistent with T. vaginalis infection. False-positive results could be obtained from sampling less than 2 weeks after cessation of therapy, since TMA-based tests can detect nucleic acids from dead organisms. A "not detected" result is consistent with the absence of T. vaginalis infection. False-negative results could be obtained due to an organism concentration below the assay detection limit.