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Sex Transm Infect 2006;82:iv26-iv27 doi:10.1136/sti.2006.023150
  • Part 2: Testing guidelines for individual sexually transmitted infections

Trichomonas vaginalis infection

  1. D Mabey,
  2. J Ackers,
  3. Y Adu-Sarkodie
  1. Department of Infectious ad Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Professor David Mabey
 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; david.mabey{at}lshtm.ac.uk
  • Accepted 31 August 2006

The organism Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmissible protozoal parasite. It is the commonest curable sexually transmitted infection (STI); The World Health Organization estimates that about 170 million new cases occur annually.1 It is a common cause of vaginal discharge in women, in whom it may also cause vulval irritation and inflammation, dysuria, and inflammation of the exo-cervix. It has been associated with dysuria and urethral discharge in men but asymptomatic infection also occurs in both sexes. T vaginalis infection is associated with low socioeconomic status, and is more prevalent in developing than in developed countries.2,3 Opinions vary concerning whether or not T vaginalis can be transmitted by non-sexual contact.4,5 A morphologically similar organism, Pentatrichomonas hominis, is a commensal of the human large intestine, but conventional wisdom has it that this organism does not multiply in the human reproductive tract.

RECOMMENDED TESTS

Microscopy of a wet mount preparation is the most commonly used diagnostic test for T vaginalis infection. Characteristic motile flagellated protozoa are readily seen. Microscopy for T vaginalis should be performed as soon as possible after the sample is taken as motility diminishes with time. Wet …

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