Trichomonas vaginalis: pathogenesis and its role in cervical cancer

Abstract

The objective of this article was to review and to analyze the possible role that Trichomonas vaginalis has as a co-factor in the origin and development of cervical cancer. For that purpose, the Latin-American and international bibliography was reviewed using the Pub-Med, Google Scholar, Springer, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scielo, Imbiomed-L, Redalyc and Latindex web sites. The searches included the key words: Trichomonas vaginalis, epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis, epidemiology of cervical cancer, inflammation mechanisms, Trichomonas vaginalis and inflammation mechanisms, Trichomonas viruses, carcinogenesis, cervical cancer and co-factors, sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer, cancer and inflammation mecha¬nisms, Trichomonas vaginalis and cervical cancer. Publications from 1970 to June 2020 were reviewed and analyzed. This review article analyzes the possible mechanisms that Trichomonas vaginalis could play in the carcinogenesis of the cervical cancer as a co-factor with the human papilloma virus or as an independent factor.

Human Papillomavirus In Pregnancy

“…In contrast, genes E5, E6, and E7 code for oncoproteins, playing a crucial role in host cell transformation. Finally, the late genes, L1 and L2, code for capsid structural proteins, contributing to the formation of the viral envelope (11,12). The genetic structure and makeup of HPV are critical to understanding its ability to infect epithelial cells and its association with various disorders, including cervical cancer risk (12).…”

Comparison of Three Diagnostic Methods for Trichomonas vaginalis Detection in a Low-Resource Setting

“…It presents in the form of a trophozoite. However, the parasite cell can mutate to an amoeboid or pseudocysts appearance when attaching to surfaces of the host epithelium [1,2,3]. It measures approximately 10 µm in length by 7 µm in width [1,4].…”

“…It measures approximately 10 µm in length by 7 µm in width [1,4]. This protozoan has four unequal flagella that originate from the same point, an undulating membrane which brings mobility, and a rigid structure that projects through the centre of the cell to the posterior end called the axostyle [1,2,3,5]. The entire cell surface is capable of performing phagocytosis of bacteria, leukocytes and other particles.…”

“…After infection, individuals may show symptoms between 5 and 28 days [5]. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, premature birth and increased risk for HIV infection [2,3,5].…”

“…The intensity and severity of the infection depend on the number of parasites and the toxicity of the T. vaginalis strain, the reduction of the Lactobacillus flora and consequently the elevation of the normal pH of the area. This protozoan grows at pH between 5.0 and 7.5 and temperatures ranging from 20 to 40°C [2,3].…”