What causes Trichomoniasis?

And why is it important?

This ‘bioscape' shows the single-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, in the environment of the epithelial cells lining the urogenital tract.

The frothy cream-coloured exudate shown spilling over the surface of the epithelial cells is characteristic of trichomoniasis.

Before making contact with an epithelial cell, the organism has a trophozoite, flagellated, pear-shaped form, but once it touches a host’s cell it transforms into a closely-adherent amoeboid shape. Colonization of the amoeboid form is responsible for causing inflammation, damage and death of epithelial cells.

Trichomonas is highly contagious and the damage it causes to the healthy, protective, epithelial cell barrier layer of the urogenital tract can increase susceptibility to HIV, and may be a factor in the development of other pathologies. Fortunately, trichomoniasis is easily cured.

Close-up of the trophozoite form of Trichomonas vaginalis

Characteristic frothy exudate of trichomoniasis