H.C. LAB

1. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (or sexually-transmitted disease, STD) caused
by a protozoan (a microscopic parasite), usually found in the vaginaand urethral tissues.
Although this condition is most often treated in women, men can also be infected (and often
have no symptoms).
Trichomoniasis Causes
Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellated motile protozoan.
Approximately 174 million people worldwide are infected with this parasite each year,
making it the most common curablesexually transmitted infection worldwide
The average size of a trichomonad is 15 mm (they are not visible with the naked
eye).
Reproduction of the parasites occurs every 8-12 hours.
Trichomonas vaginalis was isolated in 14%-60% of male partners of infected women
and in 67%-100% of female partners of infected men. It is unclear why women are
infected more often than men. One possibility is that prostatic fluid contains zinc and
other substances that may be harmful to trichomonads
Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Women
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal itching
Smelly, itchy, and typically frothy or foamydischarge
Yellow or gray-green discharge
Pain with urination possible
Up to one-third of infected women have no symptoms

2. Men
The majority of infected men have no symptoms
Urethral discharge
Pain with urination
Pain and swelling in the scrotum (from epididymitis)
Symptoms:
Trichomoniasis: Most men with trichomoniasis do not
experience any symptoms, but those who do experience an
irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning
after urination or ejaculation.
In women, trichomoniasis causes a frothy, yellow-green
vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection may also
cause discomfort during intercourse and urination. Irritation
and itching of the female genital area and, in rare cases,
lower abdominal pain can also occur.
What are the effects of trichomoniasis?
Women:
Discomfort with intercourse
Itching of the inner thighs
Vaginal discharge (thin, greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy)
Vaginal itching
Vulvar itching or swelling of the labia
Vaginal odor (foul or strong smell)
Men:
Burning after urination or ejaculation
Itching of urethra
Slight discharge from urethra

3. I. Treatment
Antibiotics - Metronidazole 500mg 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days. It is
especially important that both partners are treated at the same time
because an infected man, even a man who has never had symptoms or
whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect a female partner
until he has been treated. Anyone being treated for trichomoniasis
should avoid sex until they and their sex partners have completed the
treatment.
II. If you are not treated
As mentioned above, trichomoniasis is one of the most common and
most curable STD's. The symptoms are more annoying than they are
threatening to your health. The genital inflammation caused by
trichomoniasis might however, increase a person's risk of acquiring HIV
infection if s/he is exposed to HIV or might also increase the chances of
transmitting HIV infection to a sex partner. In rare case, trichomoniasis
in pregnant women may cause a premature rupture of the membranes
and early delivery.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
Trichomoniasis is grouped under STDs. It is most often transmitted in the
course of unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Almost
all of the infections take place through penis-vagina intercourse or vulva to
vulva intercourse with an infected partner.
The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, while the urethra is
the most common site of infection in men. These areas also serve as
reservoirs of infection.

4. Non- sexual transmission of trichomonas
vaginalis
The causative organism trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoa can live in the
exterior of the body for around 45 minutes. So it can stay on damp towels,
wet toilet papers, unclean commodes and even swimming pools used by
infected people.
So, it is possible to contract trich STD if you come into contact with the
following:
 Damp infected towels
 Infected bedding or bathing suits
 Contaminated douche nozzles or specula
 Toilet seats used by infected individuals. Here the protozoa find their way
easily into the vagina.
 Infected swimming pool water
Live germs of trich STD have been found in urine and semen after several
hours of exposure to air. They have been found live and active in swimming
pool waters as well.
You cannot contract trichomonas vaginalis through kissing or sharing
utensils.