Method for diagnosing an inflammatory condition in the female genital tract

Abstract

A method of diagnosing an inflammatory condition of the genital tract caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in a female subject is described. The method measures the concentration of IP-10 and either of IL-β or IL-α in a sample of cervicovaginal fluid from the subject and compares these to predetermined levels of IP-10 and either of IL-1β or IL-1α, respectively. A down-regulated IP-10 level in the sample or an up-regulated IL-1β or IL-1α level in the sample will be regarded as a positive result, i.e. indicating that there is a high probability that the subject has an STI or BV. The subject could then either be directly treated, e.g. with broad spectrum antibiotics, or referred for appropriate STI screening. The sample can be obtained from a vaginal secretion from the subject. A test kit for performing the method is also described.

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