Trichomoniasis

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"Trich" redirects here. For the hair pulling disorder, see Trichotillomania.
Trichomoniasis
Classification and external
resources

Trichomoniasis epidemiology
ICD-10 A59.
ICD-9 131
DiseasesDB 13334
med/2308
eMedicine
emerg/613
MeSH D014246
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.

Contents
[hide]
• 1 Symptoms
• 2 Diagnosis
• 3 Genetic sequence
• 4 Treatment
 • 5 Complications
• 6 Prevalence and prevention
• 7 References
• 8 External links

[edit] Symptoms
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.
[edit] 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 trichomoniasisptaulas may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall
or cervix; if occurring on the cervix, is termed "strawberry cervix."
[edit] Genetic sequence
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]
[edit] Treatment
Treatment for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients usually utilizes metronidazole[2] (Flagyl)
2000mg oral one time by mouth. Sexual partners, even if asymptomatic, should be concurrently
treated.[citation needed]
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.[3]
Use of male condoms may help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis,[4] 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.[citation needed] Treatment is usually Metronidazole.[5]