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We have known for years that trichomoniasis is common among asymptomatic exposed men, but insensitive detection methods (traditionally, microscopy and culture) have hampered research on transmission patterns. Nucleic-acid amplification techniques now enable a more precise understanding.
Male partners of women diagnosed with trichomoniasis were evaluated with both culture and PCR. Culture identified infection in 21 of 261 urine specimens (8%), 32 of 256 urethral specimens (12%), and 9 of 80 semen specimens (11%). PCR was considerably more sensitive; results were positive in 176 of 252 urine specimens (70%) and 30 of 59 semen specimens (51%). Overall, trichomoniasis was diagnosed in 72% of male partners, of whom the great majority were asympto…