Rapid Point-of-Care Test Kit for Bacterial Vaginosis: Detection of Vaginolysin and Clue Cells Using Paper Strips and a Smartphone

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.