28 STD detection from genital smear (Chlamydia trachomatis, ureaplasma urealyticum, ureaplasma parvum, mycoplasma hominis, mycoplasma genitalium, neisseria gonorrhoeae, trichomonas vaginalis, Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), Haemophilus ducreyi, Cytomegalo virus (CMV), Chlamydia trachomatis LGV, Treponema pallidum, Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Candida: albicans, krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae, Megasphaera 1, Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides fragilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BVAB2), Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus spp.)

This test is designed to detect 28 pathogens that can cause genital infections and includes various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Accurately identifying the pathogen makes it easier to diagnose infections, ensuring that treatment is as effective as possible.

When should this test be performed?

• If you experience symptoms such as itching, pain, abnormal discharge, genital sores, redness, or other symptoms of genital infection.
• When it is suspected that the infection may be caused by multiple pathogens;
• If the infection recurs frequently and specific pathogens need to be identified;
• If there are atypical symptoms;
• For pregnant women, to prevent possible complications for both mother and baby.

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection pathogens. Chlamydia infection can often be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. It causes infections in both men and women and can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals, rectum, and throat. Without symptoms, untreated chlamydia infection can lead to serious complications such as infertility, chronic infections, and Reiter's syndrome. Initial symptoms appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding between periods, and pain during intercourse. Men may experience abnormal discharge from the penis, pain during urination, testicular pain, and swelling. Regular check-ups and immediate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the risk of infecting others.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae - gonorrhea is a widespread infection transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Symptoms usually appear 1–14 days after sexual contact with an infected person. Most women do not experience symptoms, but they may have bleeding between periods or during intercourse, pain, or burning during urination. If not detected, untreated, or improperly treated, the infection can spread to the upper genital tract and develop into complicated gonococcal infection, causing pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy, infertility in women, and penile edema, epididymitis in men.

Mycoplasma genitalium - this bacterium most commonly infects the urethra and cervix, and the infection it causes can be asymptomatic. Untreated infection in some cases can lead to more serious complications such as urethral or cervical inflammation and infertility.

Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum - these bacteria can naturally be found in the genital organs (uterus, ovaries, prostate gland), usually causing no symptoms or diseases. In certain cases, they can cause infections and symptoms that vary depending on which genital organ area is pathogenically affected.

Trichomonas vaginalis - the most widespread non-viral sexually transmitted pathogen in the world. T. vaginalis can cause abnormal vaginal discharge (trichomoniasis) in women, while in men it accounts for 10~12% of all non-gonococcal urethritis cases. The infection can be asymptomatic in at least 50% of women and 70~80% of men.

Herpes simplex 1/2 infections are transmitted through contact with HSV herpes sores, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normally appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Usually, a person can become infected with HSV-2 only through genital-to-genital contact with someone who has an HSV-2 infection. However, oral-sexual contact from someone with oral HSV-1 can cause genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission typically occurs when in contact with an infected partner who has no visible lesions and who may be unaware they are infected. Most people infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition. When symptoms do occur, they typically present as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 2 to 12 days after exposure. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take two to four weeks to heal. The appearance of these symptoms is called the first herpes "outbreak" or episode. Clinical manifestations of genital herpes differ between the first and recurrent (i.e., subsequent) outbreaks. The first herpes outbreak is often associated with longer healing periods, increased viral shedding (thus increasing the risk of HSV transmission), and systemic symptoms including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headache.

Treponema pallidum - this bacterium causes syphilis, a chronic systemic infection that can progress through four stages. Primary symptoms appear 10 to 90 days after infection, usually within 3 weeks (21 days). The primary symptom is a painless sore that appears at the site of infection. The sore may be hard to notice and often disappears in 3–6 weeks even without treatment, but it can periodically recur. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of the infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis LGV - one of the diseases caused by the chlamydia bacterium is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). LGV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by specific serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis (L1, L2, L3). The main route of transmission is through sexual contact: vaginal, anal, and oral. The primary symptom is small, painless blisters or sores in the genital or rectal area, which often go unnoticed. They appear 3-30 days after infection. If untreated, chronic inflammation, lymph node, rectal damage, and reproductive system problems can develop.

Cytomegalo virus (CMV) - a member of the herpesvirus family causing chronic infections. Though CMV is not typically considered a specific sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Most healthy individuals infected with CMV do not experience symptoms, but some may have symptoms similar to mononucleosis (fever, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes). The incubation period for CMV usually ranges from 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Most healthy individuals experience an asymptomatic or mild infection, after which the virus remains in the body in a latent form and can be reactivated in the future, especially with weakened immunity. If a pregnant woman first becomes infected with CMV during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus. This can lead to congenital CMV infection, which can have serious consequences.

Haemophilus ducreyi - a bacterium causing a sexually transmitted infection that manifests as a painful ulcerative disease. The infection begins as a small, red bump on the genitals or around the anus, quickly turning into a painful, open sore. The incubation period is 4 to 10 days after infection. Untreated infection causes significant pain and discomfort, especially during urination and sexual intercourse. It is recommended to perform the test if sores are visible on the genitals, but negative results are obtained for Treponema pallidum, HSV 1/2 tests.

Varicella zoster - this virus can cause Herpes zoster disease, which manifests as pain, burning sensation, itching, and rashes. The incubation period from viral reactivation to symptom onset can range from a few days to several weeks. Initial symptoms often include pain or discomfort before the rash appears.

Candidiasis is a very common disease affecting up to 75% of women at least once in their lifetime. It is most often caused by Candida albicans, but other Candida species such as krusei, glabrata, dubliniensis, parapsilosis, tropicalis, lusitaniae also occur. Typical symptoms of candidiasis include itching, vaginal pain, pain during intercourse, external dysuria, and abnormal vaginal discharge. In men, redness and itching of the glans penis, white discharge under the foreskin, unpleasant odor, and pain during intercourse may occur. Without treatment, inflammation recurs, can promote secondary bacterial infections, cause urinary tract infections, and reproductive system complications.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical syndrome characterized by unusual vaginal discharge and can trigger preterm birth. It can occur during menopause. BV is marked by a decrease or absence of Lactobacillus spp. bacteria, an increase in Gardnerella vaginalis, and increased potentially pathogenic bacterial complexes, including Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera type 1, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BVAB2), Bacteroides spp., Mobiluncus spp. BV clinical symptoms include increased vaginal pH, vaginal discharge, and unpleasant odor. BV is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, postoperative infections after abortion or hysterectomy, an increased risk of HIV infection, and serious pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or preterm birth. BV is very common among women of reproductive age and is one of the most common reasons women seek treatment from healthcare professionals.