%0 Journal Article
%T Recent Applications of Ion Mobility Spectrometry in Diagnosis of Vaginal Infections
%A Zeev Karpas
%A Gabi Cohen
%A Elias Atweh
%A Geoff Barnard
%A Moshe Golan
%J International Journal of Spectroscopy
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/323859
%X Vaginal infections (vaginosis) globally affect more than 15% of the female population of reproductive age. However, diagnosis of vaginosis and differentiating between the three common types: bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis are challenging. Elevated levels of the biogenic amines, trimethylamine (TMA), putrescine, and cadaverine have been found in vaginal discharge fluid of women with vaginosis. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is particularly suitable for measurement of amines even in complex biological matrices due to their high proton affinity and has been shown to be suitable for the diagnosis of vaginal infections. Recent developments that have increased the accuracy of the technique for diagnosis of BV and simplified sample introduction are described here. 1. Introduction There are three common types of vaginal infections (vaginosis): bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC or yeast infection), and trichomoniasis that affect women worldwide [1]. According to many studies the prevalence of these infections varies considerably from country to country, and between different populations within each country but according to a conservative estimate more than 15% of women of reproductive age are affected by one or more of these infections at any given time [2]. Symptoms may include copious discharge of vaginal fluid, fishy odor, pain, itching, or burning. However, in many cases the symptoms are not noticed, that is, an asymptomatic infection [1]. The cause of BV is generally attributed to an overgrowth of anaerobic microorganisms and it has been associated with several types like Gardnerella, Mobiluncus, Bacteroides, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and so forth. These microorganisms may normally be present in vaginal discharge fluid, but their growth is inhibited by Lactobacilli that maintain a low pH and produce hydrogen peroxide. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is caused by some types of candida (fungi) while trichomoniasis is caused by trichomonads that are parasites. When the balance between the pathological microorganisms and the Lactobacilli is disturbed a vaginal infection may erupt. This could be due to the use of antibiotic medication that deleteriously affects the Lactobacilli and thus allows the fungi to thrive leading to a yeast infection. An infection can also result from practices like frequent douching or unhygienic habits, allergy, or even sensitivity to semen. Correctly diagnosing the vaginal infection could be complicated due to the similarity of symptoms of the three common
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijs/2012/323859/