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Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as “trich”, is a common cause of vaginitis. It results both from shared external water sources (hot tubs, wet bathing suits, wet towels and washcloths), and as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital 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.
Typically, only women experience symptoms associated with Trichomonas infection.
Symptoms include:
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.
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 trichomoniasisptaulas may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix; if occurring on the cervix, is termed “strawberry cervix.”
A draft sequence of the Trichomonas 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.[1]
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