University of Alcalá and HUPA develop AI for STI detection

Researchers from the University of Alcalá (UAH) and the Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (HUPA) have developed an artificial intelligence system designed to detect Trichomonas vaginalis, a microorganism responsible for trichomoniasis, one of the world's most frequent non-viral sexually transmitted infections.

The system utilizes AI to analyze microscopic images obtained through standard Gram staining, a widely used clinical technique. This approach allows for improved diagnostic accuracy without requiring new tests or modifications to existing clinical workflows. During validation tests involving 380 images, the algorithm demonstrated a 93% success rate in correctly identifying positive cases.

This technology could serve as a clinical decision support tool or a screening aid in microbiology laboratories. It is particularly valuable in environments where access to advanced molecular testing is limited, as it extracts diagnostic information from routine microscopic preparations that may be difficult for microbiologists to recognize visually.