Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Acquisition and retention of viruses by Trichomonas vaginalis.
  1. F F Pindak,
  2. M Mora de Pindak,
  3. B M Hyde,
  4. W A Gardner, Jr
  1. Department of Pathology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile 36617.

    Abstract

    Recently described occurrence of virus-like particles (VLP) in some strains of Trichomonas vaginalis suggests the possibility that the pathogenic significance of this organism may be broadened by its potential for viral transmission. Inasmuch as neither the source nor the host range of the VLP are known, any hazard which they may present for man cannot be estimated. A model has been established for the study of acquisition of known human viruses by T vaginalis. Tissue cultures were infected with two reoviruses and a fresh isolate of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV). A squirrel monkey reovirus was also included in the study. T vaginalis was inoculated into the virus cultures three days later. The progress of virus acquisition by the trichomonads was monitored by transmission electron microscopy and by culture. Virus-containing cell fragments were engulfed by trichomonads and internalised in vacuoles. After digestion of cellular debris only virus particle aggregates were retained. Viable reoviruses were recovered from the trichomonads for nine days, and HSV for six days. The results suggest the possibility of transmission of at least some viruses by T vaginalis.

    Statistics from Altmetric.com

    Request Permissions

    If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.