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Trichomonas

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Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is the leading causative agent of non-viral, sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Infection with T. vaginalis is a marker of high-risk sexual behavior as it is frequently seen concomitantly with other STIs. The natural immune response to T. vaginalis infection increases both transmission of and susceptibility to HIV. While often asymptomatic, especially in men, manifestations of infection vary from a characteristic fishy-smelling discharge with pruritus to atypical pelvic inflammatory disease with the potential for pregnancy complications. Given the widespread prevalence of this infection and potential for significant complications; efforts need to be directed toward increased awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The most common diagnostic test, is a “wet mount”, which consists of simple microscopic examination of vaginal fluid in a saline preparation for organisms with characteristic quivering trichomonad motility. A focus on details of the interrelationship amongst causative agents of sexually transmitted infections has established that Mycoplasma hominis can combine forces with T. vaginalis in a symbiotic co-infection.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Wayne State University, 540E. Canfield, 1310 Scott Hall, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Brenda L. Pellicane

  2. Dermatology Surgery Associates, 7515 Main Street, Suite 240, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Megan Nicole Moody

Authors
  1. Brenda L. Pellicane
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  2. Megan Nicole Moody
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Correspondence to Brenda L. Pellicane .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik und Poliklinik für, Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universitätsklinikum Rostock, Strempelstraße 13-85, Rostock, 18057, Mecklenburg-Vorpomm., Germany

    Gerd E. Gross

  2. University of Texas Health Science Cente, 451 North Texas Avenue, Houston, 77598, Texas, USA

    Stephen K. Tyring

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Pellicane, B.L., Moody, M.N. (2011). Trichomonas. In: Gross, G., Tyring, S. (eds) Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14663-3_45

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14663-3_45

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