Trichomonas vaginalis

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Trichomonas vaginalis (T.vaginalis) has a worldwide distribution with higher prevalence among persons with multiple sexual partners or other veneral diseases. It causes Trichomoniasis. This is an infection of the urinary track hence counted among the sexually transmitted disease. T. vaginalis cannot live without close association with the vagina and urethra of women and the urethra, seminal vesicles and prostrate of man.

    CLINICAL  PRESENTATIONS

In women, it causes vaginitis, purulent discharge, vaginal itching, burning sensation during urination, abdominal pain, dysuria. In men, it causes urethritis, epidermitis, prostatitis and painful urination. It is usually asymptomatic at early stage for both sexes. Its incubation period is between 5-28 days.
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LIFE CYCLE OF T. VAGINALIS
Trichomonas vaginalis resides in the female lower genital track and male urethra and prostrate. It replicate by binary fission in case.it has no cyst form.

         TRANSMITION 

It is transmitted via human to human (sexual intercourse )

          PREVENTION 

The preventive measures includes;
• Detection and treatment of cases in both male and female
• Use of condoms
• Limited sexual partners
• public awareness

           TREATMENT 

Trichomoniasis can be cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication. Oral metronidazole or tinidazole. It is okay for pregnant women to take this medication. Some people who drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this kind of antibiotic can have uncomfortable side effects.

People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again within 3 months after treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated too, and wait to have sex again until all of your symptoms go away (about a week). Get checked again if your symptoms come back.

REFERENCE
Medical parasitology, third edition
D.R Arora and Brij Bala Arora
Page 45 to 47