Growth studies of various strains of T. vaginalis and possible improvements in the laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis may be diagnosed by a direct smear examination and by culture of the organism. Cultures are usually examined after 24 hrs' incubation and thereafter daily up to 7 days; this technique is known to detect some infections in which direct smears have been found to be negative. It was felt that some improvements could be made in the culture technique used for diagnosis and an investigation was therefore made of the growth of different strains of T. vaeinalis in various media. The chief aim of the study was to find the most suitable medium which would support the growth of the smallest inoculum of organisms in the shortest period of time. It was also hoped to standardize certain aspects of the routine laboratory diagnosis.