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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.09.12.612589

Growth Analysis of Trichomonas vaginalis in Different Culture Media: Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to Predict and Optimize In Vitro Growth Conditions

Ferguson, S. L.·Brown Gordon, L.
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Abstract

Trichomonas vagnalis is a tiny protozoan universally known to have one of the highest prevalance rates of any common sexually transmitted disease. Its popularity in HIV transmission and preterm labor highlights its importance in clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations worldwide. Propagation of T vaginalis in vitro uses modified Diamonds media in commercial and clinical culture environments. Several modifications of this medium exist, but a more recent modification proved the most efficient. Our study aimed to investigate media modifications that could optimize the growth of T. vaginalis in routine laboratory cultivation. RSMT media enriched with quantitated media components was compared to modified Diamonds, Oxoid, and In Pouch culture mediums. Several growth studies were employed to select eight isolates (n=8) of T. vaginalis , including an ATCC reference isolate. These isolates were examined for several days at 37 degrees C in an anaerobic environment. Tests revealed that isolates in RSMT media had over 85% higher concentrations of T vaginalis growth than our testing mediums, with a maximum growth increase of 250%. The composite counts of T. vaginalis in RSMT showed a significant difference (p <0.05) from those of T. vaginalis in the standard Diamonds media Oxoid or In Pouch mediums. This data suggests that more efficient culturing and growth of T. vaginalis requires more vitamins and other growth factors beyond what would conventionally be expended in standard Trichomonas culture mediums. Authors SummaryIn this study, we explored the growth conditions of Trichomonas vaginalis, a common sexually transmitted parasite, to find ways to improve its cultivation in the laboratory. By comparing a new growth medium we developed, called RSMT, with existing methods, we identified the best conditions for sustaining this parasites growth. Our results showed that RSMT, which includes higher concentrations of essential nutrients, significantly enhanced the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis compared to standard media. This advancement is crucial for developing more reliable lab cultures, essential for diagnosing infections and researching new treatments. Additionally, our work demonstrates how innovation in lab practices can optimize clinical procedures and potentially influence public health strategies by improving the management and treatment of infections caused by this parasite.

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Ferguson, S. L., Brown Gordon, L.. 2024-09-16. Growth Analysis of Trichomonas vaginalis in Different Culture Media: Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to Predict and Optimize In Vitro Growth Conditions. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.12.612589

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