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Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common cause of vaginitis. It results both from shared external water sources (hot tubs, wet bathing suits, wet towels and washcloths), and as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital tract; the most common site of infection is the urethra and the vagina in women. It is most common in women and uncircumcised men. For uncircumcised men, the most common site for the infection is the tip of the penis.Typically, only women experience symptoms associated with Trichomonas infection.
Symptoms include:
Vaginitis - itching, burning, and inflammation of the vagina
Cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix
Urethritis - inflammation of the urethra
Green/Yellow, frothy vaginal discharge
Most men with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms; however, some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.
Diagnosis
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by visually observing the trichomonads via a microscope. 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. The sample is then placed onto a microscopic slide and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed. An examination in the presence of trichomoniasisptaulas may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix; if occurring on the cervix, is termed "strawberry cervix."
Genetic sequence
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
Treatment for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients usually utilizes metronidazole[2] (Flagyl) 2000mg oral one time by mouth. Sexual partners, even if asymptomatic, should be concurrently treated.[citation needed]
Complications
Research has shown a link between trichomoniasis and two serious sequelæ. Data suggest that:
Trichomoniasis is associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV.
Trichomoniasis may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant.
Additional research is needed to fully explore these relationships.
Prevalence and prevention
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.[3]
Use of male condoms may help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis,[4] although careful studies have never been done that focus on how to prevent this infection. Refraining from sharing swimsuits or towels may also help as trichomonads survive for up to 45 minutes outside of the body.[citation needed] Treatment is usually Metronidazole.[5]
References
1.Scientists crack the genome of the parasite causing trichomoniasis. Physorg.com. Jan. 12, 2007.
2. Cudmore SL, Delgaty KL, Hayward-McClelland SF, Petrin DP, Garber GE (October 2004). "Treatment of infections caused by metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis". Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 17 (4): 783–93, table of contents. doi:10.1128/CMR.17.4.783-793.2004.PMID 15489348. PMC: 523556. http://cmr .asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?v iew=long&pmid=15489348 .
3.Associated Press, Abstinence students still having sex, MSNBC, April 16, 2007. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
4.Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Reduce your risk, American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
5.Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Treatment for trichomoniasis, American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
External links
Trichomoniasis at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vaginitis/Vaginal infection fact sheet from the National Institute of Allergies and Infections. The first version of this article was taken from this public domain resource.
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