There is an unmet need for a point-of-care test that
is accurate,
affordable, and simple to diagnose bacterial vaginosis, the most common
cause of vaginal symptoms among women. Bacterial vaginosis leaves
patients with undesirable vaginal discharge, malodor, and discomfort.
Currently, the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is inaccurate and
complex, leading to high rates of misdiagnosis. Inaccurate diagnoses
are unsafe as bacterial vaginosis increases the risks of acquiring
sexually transmitted infections as well as the likelihood of miscarriages.
To date, the most commonly identified bacteria associated with bacterial
vaginosis is Gardnerella vaginalis.
We developed a method for the expression, purification, and detection
of vaginolysin, the most well-characterized virulence factor of G. vaginalis. Elevated levels of G.
vaginalis have been shown to lead to a toxic vaginal
environment, facilitating bacterial vaginosis. We have developed an
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of vaginolysin,
which was translated to a lateral flow assay for use in a rapid, straightforward,
cost-effective paper-based diagnostic test for vaginolysin that does
not require the use of instrumentation. In conjunction, we have employed
a commercially available smartphone microscopy kit to visualize clue
cells without the need for equipment or electricity. The combination
of these methodologies allows for an accurate and easy approach to
diagnose bacterial vaginosis with minimal resources for use in any
setting.