Trichomoniasis – are we giving the deserved attention to the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide?

Abstract

Etiology: Trichomonas vaginalis is the etiologic agent of trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Transmission: Trichomoniasis is transmitted by sexual intercourse and transmission via fomites is rare. Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence: The WHO estimates an incidence of 276 million new cases each year and prevalence of 187 million of infected individuals. However, the infection is not notifiable. Pathology/Symptomatology: The T. vaginalis infection results in a variety of clinical manifestations - in most cases the patients are asymptomatic, but some may develop signs typically associated to the disease. Importantly, the main issue concerning trichomoniasis is its relationship with serious health consequences such as cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, infertility, and HIV acquisition. Molecular mechanisms of infection: To achieve success in parasitism trichomonads develop a complex process against the host cells that includes dependent- and independent-contact mechanisms. This multifactorial pathogenesis includes molecules such as soluble factors, secreted proteinases, adhesins, lipophosphoglycan that culminate in cytoadherence and cytotoxicity against the host cells. Treatment and curability: The treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole is recommended; however, cure failures remain problematic due to noncompliance, reinfection and/or lack of treatment of sexual partners, inaccurate diagnosis, or drug resistance. Therefore, new therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Protection: Strategies for protection including sexual behavior, condom usage, and therapy have not contributed to the decrease on disease prevalence, pointing to the need for innovative approaches. Vaccine development has been hampered by the lack of long-lasting humoral immunity associated to the absence of good animal models.

Synthesis and <i>in vitro</i> antiprotozoal activity of some 2- amino-4-phenyloxazole derivatives

“…In men, it causes dysuria, epididymitis, urethritis, and prostatitis [6,7]. Trichonomiasis has also been associated with a predisposition to cervical and prostate cancers, and increased risks of HIV and HPV acquisition and transmission [8].…”

“…The most commonly used antigiardiasic drugs are 5-nitroimidazoles, metronidazole, tinidazole, secnidazole, and ornidazole [11]; while only metronidazole and tinidazole are recommended for treating T. vaginalis infections [8]. Most of the drugs currently used to treat these diseases were developed decades ago and produces side effects such headache, vertigo, nausea, allergic reactions, and in some cases neurotoxicity.…”

Comparison of Papanicolaou and Acridine Orange stains in the diagnosis of Trichomonasvaginalis infection in vaginal discharge

“…[5] And there is no alternative treatment currently. [3] It is so widespread and causes so much ill health among young women, that it has become an important social problem. In addition to abnormal vaginal discharge, it is increasingly associated with endometritis during pregnancy, pre-term labor, premature rupture of membranes, abortion, post-Annals of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vol.…”

“…[1,2] The WHO estimates an incidence of 276 million new cases each year. [3] Trichomoniasis is almost entirely a disease of the childbearing era. There is no doubt that this infection is sexually transmitted.…”

Trichomonas vaginalis infection among adolescent girls in some secondary schools in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria

“…According to WHO, an incidence of 276 million new cases each year and a prevalence of 187 million of infected individuals with ages 15 and 49 years old were reported (2). The global prevalence of trichomoniasis is much higher than other curable STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis, both counting for 36.4 million cases, and Chlamydia infection, with 100.4 million of infected adults (3).…”