VIASURE C. albicans, G. vaginalis & T. vaginalis Real Time PCR Detection Kit is designed for the specific identification and differentiation of Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and/or Trichomonas vaginalis in clinical specimens from patients with signs and symptoms of vaginal infection.

This test is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and/or Trichomonas vaginalis in combination with clinical and epidemiological risk factors.

DNA is extracted from specimens, multiplied using Real Time amplification and detected using fluorescent reporter dye probes specific for Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis infections, Candida albicans infections, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are among the top three causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Candida albicans, is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen that dwells on human mucosal surfaces, can cause fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised and high-risk surgical patients. Although Candida albicans is still the major species isolated from clinical samples in the majority of individuals, it is well known that some other non-albicans Candida spp. such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis infections are significantly widespread.

Gardnerella vaginalis is a facultative Gram-variable anaerobic bacterium belonging to the family Bifidobacteriaceae and is the dominant species involved in bacterial vaginosis (BV). Although BV is a polymicrobial condition with no single causative agent, 100 % of women with BV are colonized with G. vaginalis. G. vaginalis is also a normal commensal of the vaginal micro flora in healthy women.

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated pathogen protozoan belonging to the order Trichomonadida located in both, male and female urogenital tract but it has also been isolated from the respiratory tract of infants and adults. In women it can be found in the vagina and in the urethra, while in men it can be found in the urethra, the prostate and the epididymis. Trichomonas vaginalis infection has been associated with vaginitis, cervicitis and urethritis, premature rupture of membranes and premature delivery in pregnant women. Trichomonas vaginalis infection has also been associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission in women.

To shorten detection time and improve sensitivity, real-time PCR assays have proven to be a tool for the detection Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis.