Experts from the Manipal Institute of Technology presented a system for determining vaginal candidiasis (thrush) - a fungal infection of the female genital tract, which is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (usually Candida albicans).

According to Mail.ru, the system built into personal hygiene products (pads and tampons) is based on cotton threads with a compound that binds to an enzyme of pathogenic fungi. If Candida albicans is present in the sample, the filaments turn pink. It only takes 10 minutes to test.

Fungi are found in the normal microflora of the vagina, however, with a weakening of immunity or after taking antibiotics, these fungi begin to activate. According to statistics, 75% of women have experienced candidiasis at least once in their lives. And in 9%, recurrences of infection occur more than three times a year. It usually takes 24-72 hours to diagnose candidiasis, and this requires a visit to a gynecologist for a smear.

According to scientists, their system will greatly simplify the diagnosis of thrush. The threads of the product were coated with L-proline beta-naphthylamide. This compound binds to the enzyme L-prolineinopeptidase, secreted by Candida albicans. Contacting the fluid contaminated with fungi, the filaments turn pink. The minimum amount of fungi required for detection is 580,000 units per milliliter.

According to scientists, the system is simple and low cost. Moreover, in theory, it can be optimized for diagnosing other infections.