Trichomoniasis Flashcards
1
Q
What type of organism causes trichomoniasis?
A
Trichomonas vaginalis
- it is a protozoan spread through sexual intercourse
- it has a characteristic appearance with 4 flagella at the front and a single flagellum at the back
2
Q
What does trichomonas infection increase the risk of?
A
- contracting HIV (damages vaginal mucosa)
- bacterial vaginosis
- cervical cancer
- PID
- pregnancy-related complications (e.g. preterm delivery)
3
Q
What % of trichomonas infections are symptomatic?
A
50%
4
Q
What are the symptoms associated with trichomoniasis?
A
- vaginal discharge
- itching
- dyspareunia
- dysuria
- balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis)
the discharge is described as frothy, yellow-green and with a fishy smell
5
Q
What is the appearance of the cervix like in trichomoniasis?
A
“strawberry cervix”
- caused by cervicitis (inflammation)
- tiny haemorrhages across the surface give this appearance
6
Q
What might testing the vaginal pH reveal?
A
- there will be a raised pH (above 4.5)
- this is similar to bacterial vaginosis
7
Q
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
A
charcoal swab + microscopy
- swabs should be taken from the posterior fornix of the vagina (HVS)
- a self-taken VVS is an alternative
- men can be diagnosed with urethral swab or first-catch urine
8
Q
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
A
metronidazole
