New PCR Test Improves Diagnostic Accuracy of Bacterial Vaginosis and Candida Vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) impacts approximately 25% of women of reproductive age, while up to 75% of women experience candida vaginitis (CV) at least once in their lifetime. Vaginal symptoms are one of the most common reasons women visit the doctor each year. Diagnosis of these conditions can be challenging as symptoms are often non-specific, and traditional testing methods, such as microscopy, lack precision. These methods can deliver inaccurate results, leading to delays in treatment or prescription of unsuitable therapies. Now, a new assay resolves this challenge by delivering accurate and specific results, allowing healthcare professionals to deliver targeted therapies to patients more quickly.

Roche Diagnostics’ (Basel, Switzerland;) cobas BV/CV assay can accurately identify specific bacteria and yeast responsible for BV and CV in vaginal samples from symptomatic patients collected using the cobas PCR Media proprietary tube. The test offers faster diagnosis by using a single vaginal swab for broader sexual health testing, eliminating the need for an additional sample. Roche has received the CE Mark for its cobas BV/CV assay, which is now available in countries accepting the CE Mark, further expanding the company’s sexual health portfolio.

By enabling testing for BV and CV alongside a broad range of sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, and Mycoplasma genitalium, using the same sample, the assay enhances the capabilities of the cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems. This streamlined approach supports sexual health clinics, hospitals, and laboratories by delivering faster, more efficient workflows, while also ensuring that patients benefit from accurate diagnosis and timely care.

“The cobas BV/CV assay protects women from the risks of delayed or incorrect treatment, leading to faster relief from symptoms and a reduced likelihood of serious future complications,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “At the same time, it improves efficiency for healthcare services by accurately identifying the most common causes of inflammation or infection in a single test.”