Sexually transmitted diseases
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One hundred consecutive female patients attending an inner-city clinic for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases were evaluated for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis by history, physical examination, 0.85% NaCl wet mount, Papanicolaou smear, and culture. Of the 100 women, 54 were found to be harboring the parasite, as determined by one or more positive diagnostic tests. This prevalence corresponds with that reported previously. ⋯ Culture was the most sensitive of diagnostic techniques; 48 (89%) of the 54 patients were identified by this method. The Papanicolaou smear detected 35 infections (65%), and the 0.85% NaCl wet mount, 28 (59%). The simplest and most efficient technique for screening women for infection with T. vaginalis may be the Papanicolaou smear, since it is part of the annual physical examination.