Genetic diagnosis of intimate diseases

• The test should not be performed:
  – during menstruation,
  – during antibiotic treatment,
  – during treatment with vaginal preparations (pessories, creams),
  – when using douches,
  – within 48 hours of the last sexual intercourse.
  On the day of the test, wash the external genital area with a mild intimate hygiene gel; do not use soap.
  If treatment was used, a 3-5-day break is recommended between the end of treatment
  and the test.
• The test material may be a swab from the cervix, vagina, or urethral meatus, depending on clinical indications or the referring physician's recommendations. A swab is collected from one of these areas.

• The material for testing may be a swab from the urethral meatus or the sulcus retroglandularis, depending on clinical indications or the referring physician's recommendations. A swab is collected from one of these areas.
• Preparation for the examination:
  – refrain from sexual intercourse 48 hours before the examination
  – do not use antibiotics or medicated creams 48 hours before the examination
  – refrain from performing genital hygiene procedures 48 hours before the examination

Samples brought from outside are not accepted for testing.

Genetic testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are often confused with each other due to their mode of transmission, risk factors, and symptoms. Treatment varies for some of them, making it crucial to identify the infectious agent. Therefore, the most convenient and cost-effective laboratory testing option is to test for as many STI pathogens as possible in a single package.

The test uses a multiplex PCR test that detects in one test the presence of 12 pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HSV-1, HSV-2 (herpes virus), Haemophilus ducreyi, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum/Ureaplasma urealyticum, Streptococcus agalactiae, Gardnerella vaginalis.

The most common diseases of the genitourinary system are chlamydiosis, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Ureaplasma infections and herpes are also relatively common. The most important risk factors for urogenital infections include:
• a large number and/or frequent changes in sexual partners
• use of oral contraceptives
• antibiotic therapy
• immunocompromised states
• certain diseases, e.g., diabetes, cancer
• pregnancy (increased susceptibility).
Untreated infections lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, urethritis, premature birth, developmental defects in the unborn child (low birth weight, neurological disorders, blindness), and infertility.

Some infections may be asymptomatic and lead to transmission to sexual partners. Testing is also used after previous treatment to confirm its effectiveness.

Advantages of the test:
• Reliable identification of mixed infections, even asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic
• Analysis of non-culturable pathogens
• Rapid evaluation of difficult-to-culturate pathogens (Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma)
• Diagnosis of early-phase infections, undetectable in serological tests
• An excellent tool for screening STI pathogens (e.g. in risk groups)
• Use in the prevention and diagnosis of infertility and miscarriages
• Preventive testing in immunosuppressed patients (e.g. HIV+)

The test was performed using the RT-qPCR method using the Sexually Transmitted Infections RT-qPCR Panel test from Bioeksen.
NOTE:
Pursuant to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of June 26, 2020 (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 1118), a positive test result must be reported by the laboratory performing the test to the District Sanitary and Epidemiological Station.

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