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Introduction
y Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is

a common cause of vaginitis. It is a sexually transmitted disease. y It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Introduction

Taxonomy (NCBI)

Superkingdom

E u k ar y ot a

y Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the

--P ar a b a s al id e a

urogenital tract. y The most common site of infection is the urethra and the vagina in women.
Class T ri c h o m o n a d a Order T ri c h o m o n a di d a Family T ri c h o m o n a di d a e T ri c h o m o n a di n a e

Subfamily

Genus

T ri c h o m o n a s

Trichomoniasis

Cause
y Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellated y y y y

motile protozoan. Approximately 174 million people worldwide are infected with this parasite each year, making it the most common curablesexually transmitted infection worldwide The average size of a trichomonad is 15 mm (they are not visible with the naked eye). Reproduction of the parasites occurs every 8-12 hours. Trichomonas vaginalis was isolated in 14%-60% of male partners of infected women and in 67%-100% of female partners of infected men. It is unclear why women are infected more often than men. One possibility is that prostatic fluid contains zinc and other substances that may be harmful to trichomonads

Symptoms
y Typically, only women experience symptoms y

y y y

associated with Trichomonas infection. Symptoms include inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), urethra (urethritis), and vagina (vaginitis) which produce an itching or burning sensation. Discomfort may increase during intercourse and urination. There may also be a yellow-green, itchy, frothy foul-smelling vaginal discharge. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur.

Symptoms
y Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to

28 days of exposure. y In many cases women may hold the parasite for some years without any signs (dormant). y While symtoms are most common in women, some men may temporarily exhibit symtoms such as an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Diagnosis
y Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by visually observing

the trichomonads via a microscope. y In women, the doctor collects the specimen during a pelvic examination by inserting a speculum into the vagina and then using a cotton-tipped applicator to collect the sample. y The sample is then placed onto a microscopic slide and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed. y An examination in the presence of trichomoniasisptaulas may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix.

Diagnosis
y A diagnosis of trichomoniasis usually prompts a

search for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Diagnosis

y Micrograph showing a positive examination in

the presence of result for trichomoniasis. y A trichomonas organism is seen on the top-right of the image. Pap test. Pap stain

Genetic sequence
y A draft sequence of the Trichomonas genome

was published on January 12, 2007 in the journal Science confirming that the genome has at least 26,000 genes, a similar number to the human genome.

Treatment
y Treatment for both pregnant and non-pregnant

patients usually utilizes metronidazole (Flagyl) 2000 mg by mouth at once. y Sexual partners, even if asymptomatic, should be concurrently treated.

Complications
y Research has shown a link between trichomoniasis and two serious sequelae. y Data suggest that: y Trichomoniasis is associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV. y Trichomoniasis may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant. y Evidence implies that infection in males potentially raises the risks of prostate cancer development and spread due to inflammation. y Additional research is needed to fully explore these relationships.

Prevalence and prevention

y The American Social Health Association

estimates trichomoniasis affects 7.4 million previously unaffected Americans each year and is the most frequently presenting new infection of the common sexually transmitted diseases. y Use of male condoms may help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis, although careful studies have never been done that focus on how to prevent this infection.

Trichomoniasis through water is unlikely because Trichomonas vaginalis dies in water after 4560 minutes, in thermal water after 30 minutes to 3 hours and in diluted urine after 5-6 hours
Infection with

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