Trichomoniasis

MeshID = D014246

Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite "Trichomonas vaginalis". Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the genitourinary tract; the most common site of infection is the urethra and the vagina in women. It is most common in women and uncircumcised men. For uncircumcised men, the most common site for the infection is the tip of the penis.

ymptoms

Typically, only women experience symptoms associated with "Trichomonas" infection.

Symptoms include::*Vaginitis - itching, burning, and inflammation of the vagina:*Cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix:*Urethritis - inflammation of the urethra:*Green/Yellow, frothy vaginal discharge

Most men with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms; however, some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.

Diagnosis

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by visually observing the trichomonads via a microscope. In women, the doctor collects the specimen during a pelvic examination by inserting a speculum into the vagina and then using a cotton-tipped applicator to collect the sample. The sample is then placed onto a microscopic slide and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed. An examination in the presence of trichomoniasis may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix; if occuring on the cervix, is termed "strawberry cervix."

Genetic sequence

A draft sequence of the Trichomoniasis genome was published on January 12, 2007 in the journal "Science" confirming that the genome has at least 26,000 genes, a similar number to the human genome. [ [http://www.physorg.com/news87825794.html] Scientists crack the genome of the parasite causing trichomoniasis. Physorg.com. Jan. 12, 2007.]

Treatment

Treatment for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients utilizes metronidazole (Flagyl) 500mg oral 2-3 times per day for 7-10 days. Sexual partners, even if asymptomatic, should be concurrently treated.Fact|date=September 2008

Complications

Research has shown a link between trichomoniasis and two serious sequelæ. Data suggest that:
* Trichomoniasis is associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV.
* Trichomoniasis may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant.

Additional research is needed to fully explore these relationships.

Prevalence and prevention

The American Social Health Association estimates trichomoniasis affects 7.4 million previously unaffected Americans each year and is the most frequently presenting new infection of the common sexually transmitted diseases. [Associated Press, [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18093769/ Abstinence students still having sex] , MSNBC, April 16 2007. Retrieved March 12 2008.]

Use of male condoms may help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis, [ [http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_vag_trich.cfm#8 Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Reduce your risk] , American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12 2008.] although careful studies have never been done that focus on how to prevent this infection. Refraining from sharing swimsuits or towels may also help as trichomonads survive for up to 45 minutes outside of the body.Fact|date=March 2008 Treatment is usually Metronidazole. [ [http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_vag_trich_tri.cfm#3 Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Treatment for trichomoniasis] , American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12 2008.]

References

External links

* [http://www.cdc.gov/std/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm Trichomoniasis at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
* [http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/vaginitis.htm Vaginitis/Vaginal infection fact sheet from the National Institute of Allergies and Infections] . The first version of this article was taken from this public domain resource.
* [http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/17599-1.asp eMedicine Health Trichomoniasis]