Virostat has released a set of monoclonal antibodies that may aid in the rapid detection of pathogens that are harmful to the reproductive system.
The first of these pathogens is Trichomonas vaginalis, a common human pathogen of the male and female urogenital tract leading to vaginitis and urethritis.
High prevalence in carriers is associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy.
Diagnosis of this parasite commonly involves visual examination of microscopic smears (wet mount).
Culture methods have been introduced but can take several days to produce a result.
The second is Trichomonas foetus, which is likewise a sexually transmitted pathogen of several animal species including cattle and cats, which leads to reproductive failure in these animals.
Validated applications of these antibodies include immunoflourescence staining, ELISA and lateral flow.
