Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, vaginitis (STI)

Trichomonas vaginalis

Protozoan parasite (pear shape), motile (flagella), facultative anaerobe, undergoes binary fission, hydrogenosome (no mitochondria)- generates CO2 and hydrogen gas, 160mb, can be grown in culture

Humans

mucosa (vagina, urethra)

direct (STI), vertical (rare)

4-20 days

Adhesion and colonization of epithelial surfaces. Motile cells may cause mechanical damage resulting in pinpoint hemorrhage. Relsease of hydrogen gas causes a frothy discharge

95% asymptomatic, urethritis, rarely (epididymitis, prostatitis, superficial penile ulcerations)

50% of women have no symptoms. Symptoms can occur days to years after infection. general-erythema (red tissue color), purulent (white pus) frothy vaginial discharge, general irritation, painful/difficult dischage abnormal odor sometimes associated with secondary bacterial infection

Adverse pregnancy outcomes- pre-term birth, low birth rate, 3x increased risk for acquiring HIV

potential assocaition with prostate cancer

abstinence, barrier methods of contraception

Antibiotics- metronidazole, tinidazole