Ghanem KG, Melendez JH, McNeil-Solis C, Giles JA, Yuenger J, Smith TD, Zenilman J. Condom use and vaginal Y-chromosome detection: the specificity of a potential biomarker.
Sex Transm Dis 2007;
34:620-3. [PMID:
17308500 DOI:
10.1097/01.olq.0000258318.99606.d9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Detection of vaginal Y-chromosome sequences (YCS) may be a useful biomarker to validate sexual behavior reporting in women. We describe the effects of condom use on the detection of vaginal YCS.
METHODS
Fifty-six women were asked to abstain from sexual intercourse for 14 days. On day 15, participants were asked to engage in sexual intercourse with their male partners using condoms. Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained on days 14, 16, and 17. YCS were detected using the Roche LightCycler with the use of positive controls.
RESULTS
Fourty-four of 56 women completed the study. Five women (11.4%) had detectable YCS. The overall specificity of the YCS assay with condom use was 92% (95% CI: 80%-98%). Although women who reported receptive oral sex and digital penetration within 48 hours of swab collection had a higher detection rate of YCS [RR 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6) and 3.6 (95%CI: 1.6-8.5), respectively], the mean concentration of YCS was much less than that associated with unprotected vaginal intercourse (P <0.001)
CONCLUSIONS
Condom use during intercourse appears to prevent vaginal YCS detection; this may be a useful biomarker to validate self-reported condom use.
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