Trichomoniasis

Question 1

What is trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer 1

A single celled protozoan with flagella spread through sexual intercourse. Lives in the urethra of men & vagina of women.

Question 2

What can having trichomonas increase the risk of?

Answer 2

Contracting HIV by damaging the vaginal mucosa, BV, cervical cancer, PID, pregnancy related complications such as preterm delivery.

Question 3

What are the presentation symptoms of trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer 3

• Vaginal discharge - frothy & yellow green
  -itching
• vulvovaginitis
• dysuria
• dyspareunia
• balantis (inflammation of glans penis)
• In men, usually asymptomatic but can cause urethritis.

Question 4

What are the examination findings for trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer 4

• Strawberry cervix known as colpitis macularis due to tiny haemorrhages across the surface of the cervix
• pH of over 4.5.

Question 5

What is the diagnosis method for trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer 5

Standard charcoal swab with microscopy. Swabs should be taken from posterior fornix of vagina. Urethral swab or first catch urine in men.

Question 6

What is the management for trichomonas vaginalis?

Answer 6

Refer to GUM for treatment & contact tracing. Oral Metronidazole for 5-7 days.