Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a single cell flagellum parasite that lives in the female vagina and the male urethra. Infections are transmitted directly when the organism moves from one host to another, usually during sexual contact. It has long been recognized as a common cause of vaginitis, known as trichomoniasis. Infection of the female genital tract can result in cervicitis, urethritis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes including prostatic secretions, fission of urethra, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight babies. Though it was once virtually ignored, T. vaginalis infection in men is now recognized as an important cause of nongonococcal urethritis and is associated with prostatitis and male infertility. In addition, trichomoniasis is a risk factor for sexual transmission of HIV. It has been demonstrated to play a critical role in amplifying HIV transmission by lowering the barrier of access to lymphocytes and macrophages.