Trichomonas Vaginalis | Trichomoniasis (life cycle, pathogenesis, lab diagnosis & treatment) | STD

Summary

This educational video delves into Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis. It covers the parasite's morphology, life cycle, habitat, transmission, and epidemiology. The lecture also explores pathogenesis, clinical findings in both sexes, diagnosis methods, immunity aspects, and treatment options. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a low pH in the vagina for prevention and the necessity of treating both partners to avoid reinfection.

Takeaways

• 🐛 Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection.
• 🔬 The parasite is uninucleate, with a characteristic pear or oval shape, and measures about 10 by 7 micrometers.
• 🌡️ It thrives in genital organs, with an optimal temperature of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius and a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0.
• 🌿 It requires a low oxygen environment for survival, indicating that it prefers anaerobic conditions.
• 🔄 The life cycle involves binary fission, with no cyst form, and a round form that appears briefly after division.
• 🌐 It is transmitted sexually and is most prevalent among sexually active women in their 30s.
• 🚫 There is no animal reservoir; it is exclusively found in humans.
• 🤒 In women, symptoms include a watery, foul-smelling discharge, itching, and burning, while men may be asymptomatic carriers.
• 🔬 Diagnosis involves microscopic examination of secretions or discharge, with culture and nucleic acid tests for confirmation.
• 💊 Treatment typically involves metronidazole or tinidazole, with simultaneous treatment for both partners to prevent reinfection.
• 🛡️ Prevention strategies include maintaining a low pH in the vagina and using condoms for mechanical protection.

Q & A

What is Trichomonas vaginalis?

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that lives in the genital organs of both men and women and is responsible for causing trichomoniasis.

What is the morphology of Trichomonas vaginalis?

Trichomonas vaginalis has a pear or oval shape, is about 10 by 7 micrometers in size, and has a single nucleus, four anterior flagella, and an undulating membrane. It also has a cytostome for ingesting food particles.

Does Trichomonas vaginalis have a cyst form?

No, Trichomonas vaginalis exists only as a trophozoite and does not have a cyst form. However, there is a round form that exists shortly after the division of trophozoites.

What is the life cycle of Trichomonas vaginalis?

The life cycle of Trichomonas vaginalis consists of simple division by binary fission, which occurs under favorable conditions such as a temperature of about 35 to 37 degrees and a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.

Where does Trichomonas vaginalis primarily reside in the human body?

The primary locations of the organism are the vagina in women and the prostate in men.

How is Trichomonas vaginalis transmitted?

Transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis occurs via sexual contact, and there is no animal reservoir for the parasite.

What are the epidemiological aspects of trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common infections worldwide, with 25 to 50 percent of women in the United States harboring the organism. Asymptomatic infections are common, and symptomatic disease is most frequent among sexually active women in their 30s.

What are the clinical findings of trichomoniasis in females?

In females, trichomoniasis presents as a watery, foul-smelling, greenish vaginal discharge, vulvar itching, and burning. The vaginal and cervical mucosa may be reddened, eroded, and petechiated, with possible hemorrhages.

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed in males?

In males, trichomoniasis may be asymptomatic, and males may serve as carriers. In symptomatic cases, the prostate, seminal vesicles, and urethra may be infected, leading to a thin white urethral discharge and dysuria.

What are the methods for diagnosing Trichomonas vaginalis infection?

Diagnosis involves collecting specimens like vaginal or urethral secretions, discharge, prostate secretions, and semen. Microscopic examination of a wet mount of vaginal discharge can reveal trophozoites with a typical jerky motion. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are also used for confirmation.

What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?

The treatment of choice for trichomoniasis is either tinidazole (brand name Tinita) or metronidazole (brand name Flagyl) for both partners to prevent reinfection.

How can trichomoniasis be prevented?

Prevention of trichomoniasis includes maintaining a low pH in the vagina, using condoms for mechanical protection, and simultaneous treatment of both sexual partners. Currently, there is no prophylactic drug or vaccine available to prevent this infection.