Trichomoniasis

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

Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the genitourinary 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.

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[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 trichomoniasis may also reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix.

[edit] Genetic sequence

A draft sequence of the Trichomoniasis 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] 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.[2]

Use of male condoms may help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis,[3] 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.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1] Scientists crack the genome of the parasite causing trichomoniasis. Physorg.com. Jan. 12, 2007.
  2. ^ Associated Press, Abstinence students still having sex, MSNBC, April 16, 2007. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
  3. ^ Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Reduce your risk, American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
  4. ^ Vaginitis/Trichomoniasis :Treatment for trichomoniasis, American Social Health Association. Retrieved March 12, 2008.

[edit] External links