Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis observed by scanning electron microscopy
Trichomonas vaginalis observed by scanning electron microscopy showing the axostyle (ax), the anterior flagella (af) and the undulating membrane (rf).[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Phylum: Metamonada
Order: Trichomonadida
Family: Trichomonadidae
Genus: Trichomonas
Species:
T. vaginalis
Binomial name
Trichomonas vaginalis
(Donné 1836)

Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic, flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of a sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis. It is the most common pathogenic protozoan that infects humans in industrialized countries.[2] Infection rates in men and women are similar but women are usually symptomatic, while infections in men are usually asymptomatic. Transmission usually occurs via direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual, most often through vaginal intercourse. The WHO has estimated that 160 million cases of infection are acquired annually worldwide.[3] The estimates for North America alone are between 5 and 8 million new infections each year, with an estimated rate of asymptomatic cases as high as 50%.[4] Usually treatment consists of metronidazole and tinidazole.[5]

  1. ^ Dias-Lopes G, Saboia-Vahia L, Margotti ET, Fernandes NS, Castro CL, Oliveira FO, Peixoto JF, Britto C, Silva FC, Cuervo P, Jesus JB (October 2017). "Morphologic study of the effect of iron on pseudocyst formation in Trichomonas vaginalis and its interaction with human epithelial cells". Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. 112 (10): 664–673. doi:10.1590/0074-02760170032. PMC 5607515. PMID 28953994.
  2. ^ Soper, D (2004). "Trichomoniasis: under control or undercontrolled?". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 190 (1): 281–90. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2003.08.023. PMID 14749674.
  3. ^ Harp, Djana F.; Chowdhury, Indrajit (2011). "Trichomoniasis: Evaluation to execution". European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 157 (1): 3–9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.02.024. PMC 4888369. PMID 21440359.
  4. ^ Hook, Edward W. (1999). "Trichomonas vaginalis—No Longer a Minor STD". Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 26 (7): 388–9. doi:10.1097/00007435-199908000-00004. PMID 10458631.
  5. ^ W Evan Secor. "Trichomonas Vaginalis". MedScape.