Trichomonas Infection

With this project, the investigators aim to expand knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis, thereby also evaluating the endosymbionts (Mycoplasma hominis and Trichomonas vaginalis virus) and their impact on T. vaginalis virulence. A key aspect of the study is the direct comparison between identical T. vaginalis isolates harbouring endosymbionts and those from which the endosymbionts have been removed or inhibited. For this purpose T. vaginalis clinical isolates collected in Outpatients' Centre for Infectious Venereal and Dermatological Diseases, Vienna from patients specimens (vaginal swabs or urine) will be tested. Mycoplasma hominis isolates already collected from patients samples will also be analyzed and compared with M. hominis, which are T. vaginalis endosymbionts. In addition, 700 samples from female sex workers in Austria, who undergo regular medical check-ups, will be examined. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will be evaluated using DNA extracted from vaginal swabs, with a particular focus on parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterium M. hominis. Of particular interest is the study of the prevalence of these organisms in a cohort of women who are at increased risk of infection with these pathogens due to their occupation. Moreover, the study will provide detailed information on possible co-infections, as data from routine screenings are available.

The goal of this interventional study is to provide more access to STI testing for patients who seek abortion care through telemedicine, particularly for those whose access to STI testing is otherwise limited. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the acceptability, feasibility, and utilization of self-collected STI screening at the time of telemedicine medication abortion provision? How does the uptake of such a service among patients receiving telemedicine abortion care compare to the population of patients who seek in-person medication abortion care? What are the positivity rates for STIs in among patients receiving telemedicine medication abortion care compared to the positivity rates for a contemporaneous, in-clinic population? What is the average time to between testing and treatment for patients who test positive for an STI using the self-collection service? Researchers will compare the intervention group to a contemporaneous, in-clinic population on uptake of STI screening, as well as on positivity rates for the STIs tested. Participants will be asked to perform self-swab collection for STI testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas. They will be instructed to send their specimens to a lab using prepaid postage. Upon completion of sample collection and shipping, they will be asked to complete a survey assessing basic demographic information, as well as acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. Patients who test positive for an STI will be promptly provided/referred to treatment.