Multiplex polymerase chain reaction as diagnostic method of sexually transmitted diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases affect people from any ethnics, social strata and age. They are more frequent in people with risky sexual behaviors. The conventional diagnosis only allows determining a pathogen at a time and the causative microorganisms of these infections are not fully identified. The use of new better methods of diagnosis such as the molecular methods is a timely research tool that suits to the present realities.
Objective: To determine the most common pathogenic agents in sexually transmitted diseases that are diagnosed through multiplex-polymerase chain reaction in all women who go to the health center no.1 in Azogues.
Methods: Retrospective study of women who go to the health center no.1 in Azogues from September 2015 to March 2016.
Results: Of the group of women who went to physician´s office, 46% were 34 to 44 years. Women living in urban places accounted for 66% and those with higher education 38%. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction allowed determining the presence of Mycoplasma hominis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureoplasma urealyticun and trichomonas vaginalis even when 98% of patients were asymptomatic. Among the risk factors of the disease were non use of condom and lack of knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and their symptoms.
Conclusions: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique is an effective tool for early detection of several pathogenic agents.