Trichomonas vaginalis

Question 1

What is the treatment for trichomonas?

Answer 1

Oral metronidazole - 200mg for 5-7 days or a one-off dose of 2g.

Question 2

Describe the microbiological characteristics of TV.

Answer 2

Trichomonas vaginalis is a highly motile, flagellated protozoan parasite.

Question 3

What are the clinical features of TV in females?

Answer 3

• vaginal discharge: offensive, yellow/green, frothy
• vulvovaginitis
• strawberry cervix
• pH > 4.5

Question 4

What are the clinical features of TV in males?

Answer 4

in men is usually asymptomatic but may cause urethritis

Question 5

What are the similarities and differences between TV and BV?

Answer 5

Question 6

What is shown in this slide of TV?

Answer 6

Largely transparent core with finely granular eosinophilic cytoplasm
Surrounded by neutrophils with segmented nuceli

TV again (above)

Question 7

What are the complications associated with TV?

Answer 7

TV can increase the risk of:

• HIV infection
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• pregnancy complications including preterm delivery and low birth weight
• infections after delivery, surgery, and abortion

Question 8

What alternative medication can be used for symptom relief if metronidazole is declined?

Answer 8

Clotrimazole for symptom relief (not cure)