Trichomonas/Candida Combo Test

Home-Bio One Step Trichomonas / Candida Albicans Combo Test

• Convenient : One Test, One Specimen, Get two results;

• Save your time and cost: Can detect Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida Albicans simultaneously;

• 99.17% accuracy (specificity) and 93.60% sensitivity to detect for Trichomonas rapid test compared with wet mount and culture;

• 99.26% accuracy (specificity) and 87.33% sensitivity to detect for Candida Albicans rapid test compared with wet mount and culture;

• Rapid Test Results came in less than 15 minutes;

• Easy-to-use: No special equipment required;

• Room temperature storage.

About Trichomoniasis and Candida Albicans

About Trichomoniasis infection:

Trichomoniasis is a curable sexually transmitted disease that affects both males and females, but it often produces more identifiable symptoms in women. It is the most common STD that affects young, sexually active women. Every year, an estimated 7.4 million are added to the records of Trichomoniasis cases. Trichomoniasis is also a significant cause of morbidity in people affected by sexually transmitted diseases.

Cause of trichomoniasis:

Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which commonly affects the vagina in women and the urethra in men. The parasite can be transmitted through intercourse (penis to vagina) and through vulva contact. This means that it is also possible for the disease to be transmitted from an infected female to another female.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis:

A Trichomonas infection is easier to detect in women than in men due to more pronounced symptoms. In women, symptoms include a frothy vaginal discharge with a strong odor and a yellow-green color, as well as irritation or itching of the genital area and discomfort during urination and intercourse. In some rare cases, the infection also caused lower abdominal pain. These symptoms usually appear within 5 to 28 days after a woman is infected. The worst symptom, which can increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection, is inflammation of the female genital area. Also, if a woman is pregnant and gets Trichomoniasis, her baby may be born early or with low birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds.

In men, on the other hand, symptoms are milder; these include temporary irritation inside the penis, a slight burning after urination or after ejaculation, and a mild discharge. In some cases, however, Trichomonas does not even produce noticeable symptoms in men.

Proper diagnosis can result in timely and appropriate treatment of the infection. Trichomoniasis is best diagnosed by a doctor with the use of vaginal swabs and the isolation of viable pathogens in order to detect the infection. Using the DiagLine One Step Trichomonas/Candida Albicans Combo Test is an effective way to identify the infection.

Treatment of trichomoniasis:

Trichomoniasis can be cured with prescription drugs, namely tinidazole or metronidazole. These drugs are taken orally in single doses. Metronidazole is safe for pregnant women.

The symptoms of Trichomoniasis in men may disappear within a few weeks even without treatment. But since the infection does not disappear, he may continue to infect a female partner repeatedly until the infection is treated. Ideally, therefore, sexual partners should seek treatment at the same time, during which they should avoid sex until the treatment is complete.

The infection can also re-occur even after a man or woman has been treated for it in the past. Thus, preventative measures should be taken.

Prevention of trichomoniasis:

The most effective way to prevent Trichomoniasis, like any other sexually transmitted disease, is to abstain from sexual contact or to commit to a mutually monogamous long-term relationship with an uninfected partner. Using latex condoms consistently and correctly can also reduce the risk of transmitting Trichomonas infection.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Infection

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, commonly known as yeast infection, is an infection that affects the vagina caused by an overgrowth of yeast or a fungus known as Candida. This yeast normally occurs in the mouth, vagina, and the gut. However, if the balance of the microorganisms that are naturally present in the body is disrupted, an overgrowth of yeast may occur. Such disruptions may be caused by several factors, such as hormonal fluctuations or the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is a common problem that affects nearly 75% of sexually active adult women at least once in their life. Around 50% of these women will suffer recurrent infections. Chronic Candidiasis, however, only occurs in about 5% of patients.

Symptoms of candida yeast infection

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis causes itching and a thick white discharge, the two most common symptoms of the infection. Infected women may also experience some pain during urination and sexual intercourse. The vulva, or the external tissue surrounding the vagina, may also become red and inflamed. There may also be some itching and rashes on the outer lips of the vagina.

Diagnosis can be done through tests that measure the vaginal pH and a closer look at the vaginal yeast under a microscope. Some experts also advocate the use of yeast cultures as adjunctive diagnosis, but since these cultures are expensive and the tests usually takes up to a week before results can be interpreted, they are not considered the most viable diagnostic methods for the said infection.

However, many women who experience symptoms seek self-treatment without formal diagnosis.

Treatment of candida yeast infection

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis can be treated with anti-fungal agents, some of which are prescription medications and some of which are available over the counter. Some of them are in topical cream forms, while some are in tablets or suppositories that are placed directly in the vagina.

Due to the availability of OTC anti-fungal agents, some studies suggest that two-thirds of women self-medicating themselves for yeast infection actually do not have vaginal candidiasis. However, the right treatment can resolve all symptoms. If symptoms persist or re-occur, it indicates that another condition is present or that the yeast has developed tolerance and has become resistant to the treatment being used.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is rarely a cause of medical emergency. However, some of its symptoms are similar to those of certain, more serious problems. Thus, women who experience said symptoms should seek diagnosis and treatment. If the symptoms occur with a high fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, persistent nausea, vomiting, and pelvic or abdominal pain, or if a pregnant woman experiences the symptoms along with some bleeding, immediate medical care is required.

Prevention of candida yeast infection

Many cases of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis become recurrent, so preventative measures are highly recommended. Preventative measures for fungal infections may require weekly doses of fluconazole.  Fluconazole is synergistic with berberine, ibuprofin, and minocycline, and so adding taking all these together greatly enhances the effect of fluconazole. However, women should consult a doctor before starting a preventive medication as extended use of fluconazole can sometimes lead to treatment resistance.

There are natural ways to prevent fungal infections, including the right diet and a healthy immune system. It is important to avoid certain foods, beverages, or ingredients that promotes the growth of yeast. These products include yeast, dairy, wheat, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine. There are also foods that can suppress the growth of yeast. Consuming larger amounts of these foods, such as milk, yogurt, and garlic, may help prevent yeast infections.

There are also some activities that can aggravate or cause fungal infections to reoccur. Douching, for example, should be avoided since it changes the normal acid levels in the vagina and may thus cause inflammation. Using scented laundry soap and fabric conditioners as well as any fabric cleaner that contain bleach can also cause yeast infections. Tight clothes, which can trap air and keep the skin damp, can also create an environment more susceptible to the growth of yeast. Cotton underwear that allows air to circulate freely, therefore, is recommended. For recurring Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, the use of a non-soap cleanser for the vagina may be necessary.