METHODS FOR COLLECTING CERVICAL-VAGINAL FLUIDS AND ISOLATING EXOSOME AND MICROVESICLES FOR MOLECULAR ANALYSIS

The present disclosure relates to methods of collecting cervical-vaginal fluid exosomes and microvesicles and isolating corresponding mRNA. In particular, certain embodiments relate to the method of collecting the cervical-vaginal fluids with a tampon and releasing the cells, exosomes and microvesicles using excess buffer and a syringe or syringe-like device. The resulting expunged fluid can be applied to a filter device that is capable of capturing exosomes and microvesicles. Nucleic acids such as mRNA can be isolated from the cervical-vaginal fluid exosome and microvesicles using an oligo(dT)-coated plate designed to accommodate the filter device and then used for further molecular analysis. Quantification of the collected nucleic acids may then be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of gynecological diseases or conditions.