Methods and compositions to diagnose trichomonas infection

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing Trichomonas infection by detecting an antibody that specifically binds a Trichomonas α-actinin protein in a sample from a subject.

1 . A method of detecting an antibody that specifically binds a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein in a sample from a male subject, comprising:
 a) contacting the sample from the male subject with a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein under conditions whereby an antigen/antibody complex can form; and   b) detecting formation of an antigen/antibody complex, thereby detecting the antibody.   
     
     
         2 . A method of diagnosing a  Trichomonas  infection in a male subject, comprising:
 a) contacting a sample from the subject with a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein under conditions whereby an antigen/antibody complex can form; and   b) detecting formation of an antigen/antibody complex, thereby detecting an antibody that specifically binds a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein in the sample and thereby diagnosing  Trichomonas  infection in the subject.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample is saliva. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the sample is saliva. 
     
     
         5 . A method of detecting an antibody that specifically binds a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein in saliva from a subject, comprising:
 a) contacting saliva from the subject with a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein under conditions whereby an antigen/antibody complex can form; and   b) detecting formation of an antigen/antibody complex, thereby detecting the antibody.   
     
     
         6 . A method of diagnosing a  Trichomonas  infection in a subject, comprising:
 a) contacting saliva from the subject with a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein under conditions whereby an antigen/antibody complex can form; and   b) detecting formation of an antigen/antibody complex, thereby detecting an antibody that specifically binds a  Trichomonas  α-actinin protein in the sample and thereby diagnosing a  Trichomonas  infection in the subject.