Traditionally, vaginal infections are diagnosed using a combination of gynecological examinations including a vaginal pH test, a microscopic evaluation (gram-stain and/or wet mount), and an amine odor test. However, such procedures have approximately a 30% chance of failure and cannot detect common, mixed infections. According to the CDC, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is estimated to affect 21.2 million (29.2%) of women between the ages of 14-49. Further, vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida sp. or other yeasts affects 75% of women at least once, and 40%-45% of women at least 2 or more times. Especially in cases of mixed infections, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan.
Aeon’s innovative approach enables accurate and rapid detection and diagnosis of such infections, including sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and others. Aeon’s Molecular Microbiology approach facilitates broad coverage of vaginal flora by targeting thirty-four (34) different microbial organisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
This testing provides significant advantages over the use of the traditional diagnostics including improved accuracy (testing will distinguish microbes down to the species level), faster turnaround time, and an easy-to-read report.
“Our PCR-based DNA amplification techniques provide higher specificity and sensitivity compared to other methods,” commented Jillian Quiett, Head of the Pharmacogenomics Department at Aeon. “This new testing will provide our physician clients the ability to use a single test to detect the microorganisms responsible for the symptoms the patient is experiencing.”
Dr. Holly Carpenter, Chair of Aeon’s Scientific Advisory Board and Director of Business Development, added, “Our focus is on the future of healthcare, and it is our mission to provide our clients and their patients with revolutionary tools that are used to diagnose and treat diseases with actionable information. Aeon stands as an industry leader at the frontier of precision medicine and genetic testing with a focus on helping our physician clients to deliver accurate, patient-centric, and personalized medical care.”