CLART STI

CLART STIs is a method of molecular biology that detects microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites related to sexually transmitted diseases.

It is a diagnostic tool of high sensitivity and specificity on target pathogens. It detects infections even on asymptomatic patients. It is possible to detect multiple infections .

The amplification product is detected with the use of a new technological platform: CLART (Clinical Array Technology). The platform is based on low density micro-arrays placed at the bottom of the micro vial tube.

Clinical Arrays Technology also allows the detection of multiple infections, it is easy to implement and shows objective result interpretation.

CLART STIs conforms to the provisions of Directive 98/79/EC for in vitro medical devices and has a Declaration of Conformity according to Annex III of the aforementioned guideline.

― Molecular Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections

The significance of Molecular Testing

• it is a diagnostic tool of high sensitivity and specificity on target pathogens
• it confirms the suspicion for microorganisms that infect the urogenital area
• detects infections on asymptomatic patients
• the usual diagnosis method (cultivation) has low sensitivity
• no need for strict sample transport guidelines
• no intervention for collecting the sample, including the urine sample

― A diagnostic test with the ability to identify multiple targets

• cost effective
• faster
• can detect multiple infections even on asymptomatic patients
• less specimen quantity needed
• allows the best treatment approach

― CLART STIs identifies the above mentioned microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites

CLART STIs – Further advantages

• internal controls included in every test
• can collect different specimens: urine, vaginal, cervical, urethral, rectal, pharyngeal
• CE marked

Source

1. “Gardnerella, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasm hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in the genital discharge of symptomatic fertile and asymptomatic infertile women”. Erminia Casari, Antonella Ferrario, Emanuela Morenghi, Alessandro Montanelli. New Microbiologica, 33, 69-76, 2010.
2.“Global strategy for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections: 2006 – 2015 : breaking the chain of transmission”. WHO
3. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States, 2008 National Surveillance Data for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis” CDC.
4.“Mycoplasma genitalium presence, resistance and epidemiology in Greenland” Dionne C. Gesink, Gert Mulvad, Ruth Montgomery-Andersen, Upaluk Poppel, Stephan Montgomery-Andersen, Aka Binzer, Lee Vernich, Gillian Frosst, Flemming Stenz, Elizabeth Rink, Ove Rosing Olsen, Anders Koch and Jørgen Skov Jensen. Int J Circumpolar Health 2012, 71:18203

―  Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a significant problem for public health. Diseases that are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse include, among others, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia infections, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus infection, hepatitis and, most importantly, HIV infection. Often, instead of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SMDs), we use the term Sexually Transmitted Infections (SMIs) in order to include cases of asymptomatic patients.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SMDs) requires modifications in behavior, perspective, habits and practices. According to international public health organizations, prevention and control is based on the following strategies:

A. Information, intervention and health promotion campaigns, consultation on high risk behavior and need for adopting safer practices (systematic use of condoms)

B. Integrated treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases that includes:

• diagnosis (clinical/ laboratory),
• appropriate treatment,
• informing the sexual partners of the patient,
• reporting and recording all cases under surveillance to the competent services.

References: Ministry of Health, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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