Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
2
Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
10.22092/ari.2025.367597.3409
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include various organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. These organisms are transmitted through sexual activity, which can lead to problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and the risk of genital cancers. Therefore, quick diagnosis of sexually transmitted agents is important. In recent decades, the detection of microbial agents has been improved by using molecular techniques, because it is challenging and often impossible to isolate a disease agent from clinical samples simultaneously and quickly. Most unsuccessful cases and time-consuming culture-based methods have led to the non-identification of microbial agents. This study aims to design a multiplex PCR technique for detecting sexually transmitted agents, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus type 2) HSV-2(, and human papillomavirus (HPV) in 2022 in Qom, Iran. In the current study, about 100 Pap smear samples of patients in Qom City, Iran, were evaluated over a one-year period (2022) for testing HSV-2, HPV, Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis using multiplex PCR design. In the investigated samples, the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Trichomonas vaginalis, HSV-2, and HPV was 8%, 5%, 3%, 12%, and 18%, respectively. HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis agents were found in five samples, and HPV and Trichomonas vaginalis co-infection was observed in two samples. The multiplex PCR method has higher speed, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. With this molecular technique, simultaneous infections can be detected faster and more accurately in clinical samples such as Pup smears, effectively speeding up treatment and reducing infection transmission.
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