Trichomonas vaginalis

Life Cycle
  • Trichomonas only possess a single trophozoite stage which cannot survive drying. Spread of Trichomonas is through sexual transmission.
Clinical Consequences
  • Overview
    • Trichomonas is not invasive and colonizes the genitourinary tract of both men and women. However, only infection in women is usually symptomatic.
  • Men:
    • As mentioned, infection in men is usually asymptomatic although the organism does infect the urethra and prostate.
  • Women:
    • The organism can infect the vulva, vagina, and cervix of women. Infection is usually heralded by a yellowish, malodorous vaginal discharge and is often accompanied by dysuria, dyspareunia, and vulval pruritis.
Treatment