Trichomonas vaginalis

Disease: Trichomoniasis

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• Distribution
• Trichomonas vaginalis has a
worldwide distribution. It is not
especially common in tropical
countries.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• Route of transmission:
• Trichomoniasis is a sexually
transmitted disease.
• Trichomoniasis is caused by a
parasite that is passed from one
person to another through sexual
contact or through contact with damp
objects that contain the parasite.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• In addition, a woman can become infected
if her genitals come into contact with
certain objects that are infested with the
parasite. These objects include:
• Damp towels and wash clothes
• Wet clothing, such as bathing suits Toilet
seats.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• Life Cycle:
• The normal habitat of Trichomonas vaginalis are
the human vagina & prostate gland. In the
female host the organism typically feeds on
mucosal surface of the vagina , ingesting bacteria
& leukocytes & at times , being phagocytosed by
macrophages.
• It prefers a medium slightly alkaline or
somewhat more acid than healthy vagina.
• In men it may be demonstrated in the urine,
urethral discharge or following massage of the
prostate with emission of prostatic fluid.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
• Clinical Features & Pathology:
• Inflammation, irritation and itching in the
genital area (vaginitis).
• There is yellow, green or gray vaginal
discharge.
• This is often thick and foamy, and
sometimes has a strong "fish-like" odor.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
(dyspareunia) or urination (dysuria).
• Soreness or itching of the labia and inner
thighs. The labia may also be swollen.
Lower abdominal pain (in rare cases).
Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
• The infections can present in 3 forms:
• 1. Asymptomatic vaginitis.
• 2. Acute or chronic volvovaginitis
• 3. Urethritis.
• Differential Diagnosis of acute urethritis in
both women & men may be difficult. It
must be distinguished from gonococcal,
chlamydial , or herpetic infection.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• Laboratory Diagnosis:
• Finding Trichomonas vaginalis flagellates
in unstained or stained preparations of
vaginal or urethral discharges.
• Motile Trichomonas vaginalis can
sometimes seen in the urine of men &
women.
• T. vaganalis does not have a cyst form.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD
• Prevention & Control:
• 1.Treatment of infected partners (husband
& wife).
• 2.Condoms also provide a protection.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

• Treatment:
• Symptomatic & asymptomatic women
should be treated , & treatment is
aimed at eradicating the organism.
The treatment of choice for women is a
single 2 g dose of metronidazole.

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD

Dr Mamoun Magzoub PhD