Trichomonas vaginalis

• Most women asymptomatic; scant, watery discharge
  
• Men asymptomatic; can get urethritis, prostatitis, UT problems
  
• Vaginitis, erosion of epithelia, itching abd burning, dysuria

• Exists only as trophozoite

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In urethras, vaginas and prostates of M+W
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• Can cause infection during birth

• Sexual intercourse
  
• fomites

• Men act as reservoirs for female infection
  
• Vectors
• Fomites (toilet, articles, clothing)

• Metronidazole (treat male and female partners – reinfection risk)
  
• May be resistant

• Good personal hygiene
  
• Avoid sharing toilet articles, clothing
  
• Safe sex practices

• Cosmopolitan
• Elimination of carriage in men essential for elimination of disease

Category: Microbiology Notes