Identification of volatile biomarkers of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in vaginal discharge and urine

Trichomoniasis, a disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The importance of its diagnosis lies in its ease of transmission and the absence of symptoms in most cases, as occurs in men, which have a significant role as asymptomatic carriers. The most widely used diagnostic methods are the fresh examination of vaginal or urethral secretions and molecular techniques. However, as they have some disadvantages and, sometimes, low sensitivity, new trichomoniasis diagnostic methods are necessary. Volatile organic compounds in clinical samples are effective in the diagnosis of different diseases. This work aimed to study, for the first time, those present in vaginal discharge and urine of patients with Trichomonas vaginalis infection to look for volatile biomarkers. The results showed that volatile compounds such as 2-methyl-1-propanol and cyclohexanone could serve as biomarkers in vaginal discharge samples, as well as 2-octen-1-ol and 3-nonanone in urine. Moreover, 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl 2-methylpropanoate found in vaginal discharge, highly correlated to positive patients, is also highly related to urines of patients with trichomoniasis. The biomarkers described in this study might be a promising diagnostic tool.

Automated summary

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Its importance lies in its ease of transmission and the absence of symptoms in most cases. The study aimed to identify volatile biomarkers in vaginal discharge and urine of patients with Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Potential biomarkers were identified in both samples, suggesting their potential as a diagnostic tool.