Trichomonas vaginalis: urogenital flagellate causing trichomoniasis | Parasitology | by Imran Yaseen

**Trichomonas vaginalis** is a unicellular parasitic protozoan that infects the urogenital tract of humans, causing a sexually transmitted infection known as trichomoniasis. This protozoan is pear-shaped and possesses a flagellum, which allows it to move in the urogenital environment.
**Key features and characteristics of Trichomonas vaginalis:**
1. **Morphology:**
- Trichomonas vaginalis is a relatively large protozoan, typically measuring between 10 to 30 micrometers in size.
- The organism has a pear-shaped or oval body with a single anterior flagellum that extends from the body.
2. **Life Cycle:**
- The life cycle of Trichomonas vaginalis involves a trophozoite stage, which is the actively replicating and infectious form, and a cyst or pseudocyst stage.
- Transmission primarily occurs through sexual contact.
3. **Clinical Presentation:**
- Trichomoniasis can manifest with a range of symptoms, including vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation.
- Men can experience urethritis with symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge.
4. **Transmission:**
- Trichomoniasis is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse.
- It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
5. **Diagnosis:**
- Microscopic examination of wet mount preparations or stained smears from genital specimens can reveal the motile trophozoites.
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and culture may also be used for diagnosis.
6. **Treatment:**
- Trichomoniasis is typically treated with oral metronidazole or tinidazole.
- Sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
7. **Complications:**
- If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to complications such as preterm birth in pregnant women, increased risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections, and an association with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
8. **Prevention:**
- Prevention involves practicing safe sex through consistent and correct condom use.
- Regular screening and prompt treatment of infected individuals and their partners contribute to prevention.
9. **Asymptomatic Infections:**
- Trichomoniasis can be asymptomatic in some individuals, particularly in men. However, asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the infection.
10. **Global Impact:**
- Trichomoniasis is considered one of the most prevalent curable sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common cause of sexually transmitted infections, affecting both men and women. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the transmission of the parasite. Safe sexual practices, regular screenings, and education about sexually transmitted infections are essential components of preventing and managing trichomoniasis.
T. vaginalis is a urogenital flagellate causes trichomoniasis which is sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). How it is transmitted, causes diseases and how it is diagnosed is explained in this brief lecture.
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