2. Introduction
Trichomonas is the simplest of all the
protozoan parasites because it has only
trophozoite stage.
Trichomonas infects the urogenital tract
unlike other members of the order
Trichomonadida which inhabit the intestinal
tract.
Sexually transmitted infection known as
Trichomoniasis.
3. Significance
7.4 million cases reported every year.
180 million people infected worldwide.
50% asymptomatic carriers.
HABITAT:
T.vaginalis trophozoite inhabits the vagina in
female the prostate & seminal vesicles in
males and urethra in both sexes.
4. Characteristics
Trichomonas shows the
following important
characteristics:
An anterior tuft of flagella
Undulating membrane
An axostyle
Only trophozoite stage. (It
can survive outside the body
at temp as low as 15 C for up
to 48 hours.)
5. Trichomonas vaginalis
• Trichomonas vaginalis :is an anaerobic
flagellated protozoan a form of
microorganism.
• The parasitic microorganism is the
causative agent of trichomoniasis and is
the most common pathogenic protozoan
infection of humans in industrialized
countries.
6. Trichomonas vaginalis
Facultative anaerobic
parasite
It produces energy by
fermentation of sugars in
a structure called
Hydrogenosome
A modified mitochondria
in which enzyme of
oxidative
phosphorylation is
replaced by enzyme of
anaerobic fermentation
8. MORPHOLOGY
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan
Trophozoite is the only stage present in the
life cycle Infective stage of the parasite. No
cystic stage.
It is 7-30 µm long by 5-10µm wide
Trophozoite is pear shaped & shows “TWITCHING
TYPE” of motility due to the presence of 5 number
of flagellae.
10. The
life cycle
consist only of a
trophozoite stage.
Transmitted by
direct contact during
sexual intercourse.
None venereal
transmission is rare.
11. PATHOGENESIS
It is not an invasive parasite
It remains adherent to the squamous epithelium but
not columnar epithelium
VIRULENCE FACTORS:
Protein liquids & proteases –help in adherence.
Lactic acid and Acetic acid which lowers the vaginal
ph low ph is cytotoxic to vaginal epithelial cells..
PATHOLOGY:
Intracellular edema and “ chicken like epithelium” is
the most characteristic feature.
12. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
inflammation of the vaginal canal
vulvar itching leading to edema
tenderness and chaffing
redness
yellow and green foul smelling
discharge
painful urination-dysuria
dyspareunia
punctuate hemorrhages on the
cervix known as colpitis macularis
or strawberry cervix.
14. TREATMENT
Treatment : Single dose of Metronidazole 2
gm once or Metronidazole PO 500 mg TDS
for 7 days
Treat the male sexual partner
Tinidazole is an alternate drug
Prognosis a full recovery (100%)
