Trichomonas Vaginalis

_Sexually transmitted flagellated protozoa responsible for the urogenital infection known as trichomoniasis.

_Can be distinguished from other flagellated protozoa in that it lacks a cyst form

– the organism is sexually transmitted and rarely leaves its host.

_Women can become an asymptomatic carrier or present with acute vaginitis (burning, pruritis, dysuria, and frequency).

Vaginal exam of women infected shows an erythematous, "strawberry" cervix.

Produces a green, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. (frothy discharge)

yellow/green lights, cervix painting, foul smelling fire

_Men infected are usually asymptomatic and often spontaneously resolves. Symptomatic patients may present with signs of urethritis.

_Diagnosis is made via laboratory testing that may include

• Visualization of pear-shaped flagellated trichomonads on wet mount

• motile trophozoites (classically called "corkscrew" motility) due to flagellated movement.

• Positive culture

• Positive nucleic acid amplification test

• Rapid antigen or DNA hybridization probe test

  A vaginal wet mount (or vaginal smear or wet prep) is a gynecologic test wherein a sample of vaginal discharge is observed by wet mount microscopy by placing the specimen on a glass slide and mixing with a salt solution.

_Vaginal pH in the setting is > 4.5. In contrast, vaginal pH is normal (4.0 - 4.5) in the setting of Candida vulvovaginitis.

_Treatment includes metronidazole to both the affected individual and their sexual partners.

Trichomonas vs gardnerella

_Key distinguishing features of each infection are listed below:

	Trichomonas vaginalis	Gardnerella vaginalis
Symptoms	Itching & burning	Non-painful
Discharge color	Green	Grey
Discharge smell	Foul	Fishy
Microscopy findings	Motile trophozoites	Clue cells