Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina and causes odor, abnormal discharge or inflammation. Vaginitis can be caused by various organisms including Trichomonas vaginalis and yeast (Candida spp.) infections. In contrast, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina. Having bacteria in the vagina is normal and BV presents when this balance is disturbed, and one type of bacteria starts to multiply and take over the vaginal flora, causing unpleasant symptoms such as a fish–like odor and burning during urination. Most women have at least one episode of vaginitis during their lives. Traditional detection methods, such as microscopic examination, pH test of vaginal secretions, and a “whiff” test, require highly trained staff and tend to be subjective. A PCR assay provides a convenient automated process and more objective results.¹

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is the name given in 2002 to a vaginal infectious entity which was not recognized as such before. It is characterized by abnormal (dysbiotic) vaginal microflora containing aerobic, enteric bacteria, variable levels of vaginal inflammation, and deficient epithelial maturation. The prevalence of AV ranges between 7 and 12%, less prevalent than BV but important as a cause of symptomatic vaginitis. AV can co-occur with other pathogens, such as BV and candidiasis.²

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age (accounting for 40-50% of cases) but may also be encountered in menopausal women.  BV is not considered an STD but having BV can increase your chances of getting an STD. BV may also affect women who have never had sex.

Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida albicans and affects about 15% of women of childbearing age and about 30% of women with vaginitis. Candidiasis sets in due to a disruption of the vaginal balance. It causes an abnormal proliferation of Candida, which is normally present inside the vagina and helps maintain the vaginal pH.^3,4

Novaplex™ Aerobic Vaginitis Assay*, Novaplex™ Bacterial Vaginosis Assay* and Novaplex™ Candidiasis Assay* are multiplex real-time PCR assays that detect and identify key organisms related to vaginitis and vaginosis. Based on Seegene’s proprietary MuDT™ Technology, these assays report multiple Ct values for each organism in a single PCR channel. Automated analysis is provided using the Seegene Viewer software, including the quantification of major targets.