Trichomoniasis (Common STI) | Causes, Symptoms & Complications (Cancer), Diagnosis, Treatment

Summary

This lesson covers trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. It discusses risk factors like unprotected sex and multiple partners, signs including vaginal discharge and abnormal odor, and complications such as infertility and increased risk of other STIs. Diagnosis involves physical exams, microscopy, and nucleic acid tests. Treatment is with metronidazole or tinidazole, emphasizing the importance of treating both partners to prevent re-infection.

Takeaways

• 🐛 Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasitic protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis.
• 🔎 It is the most common non-viral STI and often co-occurs with other STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• 🚫 Risk factors include unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners.
• 🌐 The prevalence is underestimated, with actual cases likely higher than reported figures.
• 💧 Transmission occurs through sexual contact, with the organism residing in various genital secretions.
• 👶 It can also be transmitted vertically from mother to child during birth.
• 🌿 The organism can cause damage to epithelial cells and increase the vaginal pH, leading to a higher likelihood of co-infections.
• 🤕 Symptoms in women may include abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, and pain during intercourse, while men are often asymptomatic.
• 🩺 Diagnosis can be made through physical examination, wet mount microscopy, nucleic acid amplification tests, or molecular tests.
• 💊 Treatment involves metronidazole or tinidazole, with both partners needing treatment to prevent re-infection.
• 🚫 Alcohol should be avoided during treatment due to potential disulfiram-like reactions.

Q & A

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasitic protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis.

How is trichomoniasis transmitted?

Trichomoniasis is transmitted through sexual contact. The protozoa can move from one individual to another via vaginal, urethral, and prostatic secretions.

What are some risk factors for getting trichomoniasis?

Risk factors include unprotected sexual activities and having multiple sexual partners.

What is the prevalence of trichomoniasis in the general population?

The prevalence is estimated to be between 0.5 to 3 percent, but it is likely underreported.

How does Trichomonas vaginalis cause damage to the body?

Trichomonas vaginalis damages epithelial cells through contact and the release of cytotoxic chemicals, which can compromise the protective epithelial barrier.

What is the incubation period for trichomoniasis symptoms?

The incubation period for trichomoniasis symptoms is on average 4 to 28 days.

What are common symptoms of trichomoniasis in females?

Common symptoms include vaginal discharge that may be bloody or purulent, abnormal vaginal odor, dysprunia, vaginal irritation, itching, post-coital bleeding, and lower abdominal pain.

Are there any symptoms in males with trichomoniasis?

Most male patients are asymptomatic, but rare symptoms include prostatitis, epididymitis, and testicular pain.

What complications can trichomoniasis lead to?

Complications can include infertility, pregnancy issues, cervical neoplasia, post-operative issues, increased risk of other STIs including HIV, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be made through physical examination, saline wet mount, nucleic acid amplification tests (PCR), and molecular tests such as trichomonas assays or rapid tests.

What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?

Treatment involves the use of metronidazole or tinidazole, with both partners being treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

Why is it important to treat both partners for trichomoniasis at the same time?

Treating both partners simultaneously prevents the 'ping pong effect', where the infection can be transmitted back and forth between untreated partners.

What precautions should be taken when taking metronidazole or tinidazole?

Patients should avoid alcohol consumption during treatment to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction.