Researchers at Washington State University developed a diagnostic test for the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease in the United States and the world.

John F. Alderete, the principle investigator and a professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences, is researching Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, an estimated 5 million new cases occur annually in the United States and only about 30 percent show symptoms. Symptoms include burning, irritation and discharge and occur most often in women.

The complications of trichomoniasis are worse than the STD itself.  Trichomoniasis increases a woman’s risk for preterm delivery, pregnancy complications, infertility, and cervical cancer. It also increases the risk of getting and spreading HIV, herpes and HPV in men and women. A new link says Trichomonas increases a man’s risk for prostate cancer.

“The Trichomonas resides in the prostate tissue which leads to inflammation. A low grade inflammation for a long period of time is a predisposition to cancer. You have the beginning of putting all the wheels in motion which can lead to prostate cancer development and progression,” Alderete said.

Having trichomoniasis increases the risk of being infected with HIV if one has sexual intercourse with someone who is HIV positive. Research states that 25 to 30 percent of people infected with HIV are infected with the virus because they are first infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite increases the portal of entry and the portal of exit of HIV.

Inflammation from Trichomonas causes an increase of white blood cells, including HIV target cells, to which HIV can bind and therefore gain access, increasing one’s risk of contracting the virus. Hemorrhages and inflammation caused by Trichomonas can increase the level of the free virus and virus infected white blood cells, heightening the probability of exposure and transmission to an uninfected partner.

The STD is widespread because it is difficult to detect. A doctor must perform a lab test in order to be diagnosed. Those who test positive are cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotic.

The complexity of diagnosing the STD combined with the connections it has with much deadlier diseases was the reason for Alderete’s research. He invented a simple diagnostic test for the STD called OSOM. The current product is only able to test women for the disease by use of a vaginal swab and takes about 10 minutes for a reading.

“What the world needs is a diagnostic test that can be sold all over the world. Not just for women but for men also,” Alderete said. He is currently working to create a trichomoniasis diagnostic test for both men and women using a simple prick of blood.

Alderete said, “It’s the kind of test where you don’t need trained professionals. You don’t need equipment or a sterile environment. It can be done out there in the field by anyone—Point of Care.”

The objective of Point of Care is to bring the test conveniently and immediately to the patient, increasing the likelihood of quicker results and treatment. His diagnostic test could act as a catalyst, changing the way scientists and the biotech industry view diagnostics.

Post baccalaureate Patrick A. Joyce is working with Alderete in the research program. He said, “The biggest problem is that the STD is not really well followed and not really well advertised. It’s not a reportable disease to the CDC. Outside academia it’s unlikely that you ever hear of Trichomonas…mostly due to the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of symptoms.” With a simple diagnostic test, one can be treated for and have less of a chance of experiencing the long term health effects Trichomonas increases one’s risk for.