CIU Faculty of Medicine Research Presented at National Congress

A research study titled “Clinical Use of Conventional, Antigen-Based, and Molecular Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Trichomonas vaginalis”, prepared by Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Taylan-Özkan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University (CIU), and Dr. Hasti Jabbari, was presented as an oral presentation at the 23rd National Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
The study evaluated diagnostic methods used for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis, one of the most common and treatable sexually transmitted infections affecting women. It comparatively examined the diagnostic performance, clinical applicability, and healthcare utilization of conventional, antigen-based, and molecular rapid diagnostic tests.
The systematic review conducted by Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Taylan-Özkan and Dr. Hasti Jabbari found that direct microscopic examination, one of the traditional diagnostic methods, has limited sensitivity, particularly in asymptomatic patients. While the researchers noted that antigen-based rapid tests offer an effective option for point-of-care screening due to their ease of use and improved performance characteristics, they also demonstrated that molecular rapid tests based on nucleic acid amplification technologies provide more reliable results due to their high sensitivity and specificity.
As part of the study, Taylan-Özkan and Jabbari brought together current scientific evidence regarding existing diagnostic methods for Trichomonas vaginalis infection and conducted a comprehensive evaluation. By comparing the strengths and limitations of conventional, antigen-based, and molecular approaches, they provided evidence-based information that can support healthcare institutions in selecting appropriate diagnostic methods according to their available resources and clinical requirements.
Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Taylan-Özkan and Dr. Hasti Jabbari also emphasized the importance of early and accurate detection of infections in protecting women’s reproductive health. They highlighted the growing role of rapid molecular diagnostic technologies in the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections, noting that the more effective integration of these technologies into gynecology and obstetrics practice could make significant contributions to clinical decision-making processes.
The oral presentation of the research was delivered by Dr. Hasti Jabbari. The study attracted particular attention for its assessment of the increasing importance of rapid molecular technologies in the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections.