Trichomonas vaginalis
(trik-p-mo-nas / va-gin-al-is)
Trophozoite
Transmission
This parasite is sexually transmitted. The trophozoite form resides on the mucous membrane of the vagina of infected females and in the prostate or urethral epithelium of infected males.
Disease
Trichomoniasis
- Infected women and men may be asymptomatic.
- If women present with symptoms, symptoms may include:
- vaginal burning, itching and irritation
- profuse, foul-smelling, yellowish discharge
- red lesions on the vaginal mucosa
- If men present with symptoms, symptoms may include:
- urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
- prostate tenderness and swelling
- thin discharge
Diagnostic
- Laboratory specimens
- vaginal secretions
- urethral secretions
- trophozoites can also be found in urine
- Testing
- wet mounts (check for trophozoite motility)
- can culture secretions
- permanent smears can be made with trichrome or iron hematoxylin stain
- serological methods are not routinely available
Treatment
The treatment of choice is metronidazole. Sexual partners should also be treated.