Trichomona Notes

NOTES NOTES TRICHOMONA MICROBE OVERVIEW ▪ Trichomonas vaginalis: pear-shaped (pyriform), flagellated protozoa; infects genitourinary tract ▪ Causative agent of trichomoniasis (trich), common sexually transmitted disease (STD) Morphology ▪ Size ▫ 9 x 7 micrometers ▪ Motile via four flagella, undulating membrane ▪ Rigid axostyle runs through cell from anterior to posterior end ▪ Contains hydrogenosomes (unique energyproducing organelles) Replication/Multiplication ▪ Humans only host ▫ Does not survive well in external environments ▫ Multiplies when vaginal pH basic ▫ Incubation period: 5–28 days ▫ No cyst stage TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS osms.it/trichomonas-vaginalis PATHOLOGY & CAUSES ▪ Resides in lower genital tract of individuals who are biologically female; urethra, prostate of individuals who are biologically male → trophozoite stage (infective stage) → transmitted sexually → infects squamous epithelium of lower genital tract → replicates by longitudinal binary fission → inflammatory response RISK FACTORS ▪ Sexual activity with infected partner ▪ Multiple sexual partners ▪ More common in individuals who are biologically female COMPLICATIONS ▪ ↑ risk of contracting HIV due to genital inflammation 576 OSMOSIS.ORG ▪ Pregnancy ▫ ↑ risk of premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, low birth weight ▪ Urethritis, cystitis SIGNS & SYMPTOMS ▪ May be asymptomatic ▪ Individuals who are biologically female ▫ Watery, foul-smelling vaginal discharge; burning; pruritus; dysuria, urinary frequency; lower abdominal pain; dyspareunia; vulvar, vaginal erythema ▪ Individuals who are biologically male ▫ Urethral discharge; pruritus; burning after urination/ ejaculation

Chapter 103 Trichomona DIAGNOSIS LAB RESULTS Microbe identification ▪ Saline microscopy (wet mount of genital secretions) ▫ Characteristic organism ▫ ↑ polymorphonuclear leukocytes ▪ ↑ vaginal pH (> 4.5) ▪ T. vaginalis assay ▫ Detects species-specific ribonucleic acid (RNA); vaginal swab/urine specimen ▪ Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) ▪ Trichomonas rapid test TREATMENT MEDICATIONS ▪ Systemic 5-nitroimidazole drugs (e.g. metronidazole, tinidazole) ▫ Treat both partners OTHER INTERVENTIONS ▪ Rate of transmission decreased with consistent use of condoms, spermicidal agents (e.g. nonoxynol-9) OTHER DIAGNOSTICS ▪ Speculum exam ▫ Punctate hemorrhages cervix (strawberry cervix) OSMOSIS.ORG 577