Trichomonas vaginalis: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:37, 10 February 2025

A protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in humans. It is a flagellated anaerobic organism that primarily infects the urogenital tract.

Morphology[edit]

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pear-shaped organism with five flagella, four of which are anterior and one is posterior, aiding in its motility. It has an undulating membrane that extends about two-thirds of its body length. The organism is approximately 7 to 23 micrometers in length and 5 to 15 micrometers in width.

Life Cycle[edit]

The life cycle of Trichomonas vaginalis is relatively simple, consisting of a trophozoite stage only. It does not form cysts. The trophozoites multiply by binary fission and are transmitted from person to person primarily through sexual contact.

Pathogenesis[edit]

Trichomonas vaginalis infects the urogenital tract, causing inflammation and irritation. In women, it can lead to vaginitis, characterized by a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, itching, and discomfort during urination or intercourse. In men, the infection is often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection is typically made through microscopic examination of vaginal or urethral swabs. The organism can be identified by its characteristic motility. Other diagnostic methods include culture, antigen detection, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

Treatment[edit]

The standard treatment for trichomoniasis is metronidazole or tinidazole, which are effective in eradicating the infection. It is important for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

Epidemiology[edit]

Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common non-viral STIs worldwide. It affects millions of people annually, with higher prevalence rates in women than in men. The infection is more common in certain populations, including those with multiple sexual partners and those with other STIs.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, using condoms, and regular STI screenings. Educating individuals about the transmission and symptoms of trichomoniasis can also help reduce the spread of the infection.

Related pages[edit]

References[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Trichomonas vaginalis observed by scanning electron microscopy
Trichomonas vaginalis image
Trichomonas vaginalis under a microscope
Trichomonas vaginalis illustration
Trichomonas vaginalis infection video
Pap test showing Trichomonas vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis video
Trichomonas vaginalis in Gram stain
Trichomonas vaginalis video

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-'''Trichomonas vaginalis''' is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) primarily affecting the urogenital tract. It is one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The parasite is flagellated and pear-shaped, allowing it to move and infect the epithelial cells of the urogenital tract in humans.
+{{Short description|A protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis}}
-==Transmission==
+'''Trichomonas vaginalis''' is a [[protozoan]] [[parasite]] and the causative agent of [[trichomoniasis]], a common [[sexually transmitted infection]] (STI) in humans. It is a flagellated anaerobic organism that primarily infects the urogenital tract.
-Transmission of ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' occurs mainly through sexual contact with an infected partner. The parasite can infect the vagina, urethra, and the prostate gland, making both men and women susceptible to infection. It is also possible, though less common, for the infection to be transmitted through sharing wet towels or bathing suits, as the parasite can survive for a short period outside the human body in moist conditions.
-==Symptoms==
+==Morphology==
-In women, ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' can cause a condition known as trichomoniasis, which is characterized by a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, itching and irritation of the genital area, discomfort during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Men often do not show symptoms but when present, they may include irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
+''Trichomonas vaginalis'' is a pear-shaped organism with five flagella, four of which are anterior and one is posterior, aiding in its motility. It has an undulating membrane that extends about two-thirds of its body length. The organism is approximately 7 to 23 micrometers in length and 5 to 15 micrometers in width.
+==Life Cycle==
+The life cycle of ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' is relatively simple, consisting of a trophozoite stage only. It does not form cysts. The trophozoites multiply by binary fission and are transmitted from person to person primarily through sexual contact.
+==Pathogenesis==
+''Trichomonas vaginalis'' infects the urogenital tract, causing inflammation and irritation. In women, it can lead to vaginitis, characterized by a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, itching, and discomfort during urination or intercourse. In men, the infection is often asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.
 ==Diagnosis==
-Diagnosis of trichomoniasis is typically made by microscopic examination of a sample of vaginal fluid or urethral discharge. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are also used due to their higher sensitivity in detecting the parasite's DNA.
+Diagnosis of ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' infection is typically made through microscopic examination of vaginal or urethral swabs. The organism can be identified by its characteristic motility. Other diagnostic methods include culture, antigen detection, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).
 ==Treatment==
-The treatment for trichomoniasis involves oral administration of metronidazole or tinidazole. These medications are effective in eliminating the infection, and it is recommended that all sexual partners be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
+The standard treatment for trichomoniasis is [[metronidazole]] or [[tinidazole]], which are effective in eradicating the infection. It is important for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
+==Epidemiology==
+''Trichomonas vaginalis'' is one of the most common non-viral STIs worldwide. It affects millions of people annually, with higher prevalence rates in women than in men. The infection is more common in certain populations, including those with multiple sexual partners and those with other STIs.
 ==Prevention==
-Preventive measures for ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' infection include practicing safe sex by using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners, and ensuring that all partners are tested and treated for STIs.
+Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, using condoms, and regular STI screenings. Educating individuals about the transmission and symptoms of trichomoniasis can also help reduce the spread of the infection.
-==Epidemiology==
+==Related pages==
-''Trichomonas vaginalis'' is estimated to infect millions of people worldwide each year, with higher prevalence rates in women than in men. The infection is particularly common in areas with limited access to healthcare and where sexual health education is less available.
+* [[Trichomoniasis]]
+* [[Sexually transmitted infection]]
+* [[Protozoan]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-==Complications==
+==Gallery==
-If left untreated, ''Trichomonas vaginalis'' can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In pregnant women, the infection can cause premature labor and low birth weight in infants.
+<gallery>
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_observed_by_scanning_electron_microscopy.jpg|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' observed by scanning electron microscopy
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_(20).png|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' image
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_(21).JPG|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' under a microscope
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_(02).png|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' illustration
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_infection_-_phase_contrast.mpg|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' infection video
+File:Pap_test_trichomonas.JPG|Pap test showing ''Trichomonas vaginalis''
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis.webm|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' video
+File:TV_in_Gram.jpg|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' in Gram stain
+File:Trichomonas_vaginalis_02.webm|''Trichomonas vaginalis'' video
+</gallery>
+[[Category:Parasitic protozoa]]
 [[Category:Sexually transmitted diseases and infections]]
-[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
-[[Category:Protozoan infections]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}