Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite that inhabits the human urogenital tract and causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection.

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Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. This is the disease produced when the organism colonizes the urogenital tract.
Nucleic acid amplification test: A laboratory test that detects specific DNA or RNA sequences by amplifying them. These tests provide highly sensitive detection of T. vaginalis in clinical samples.
Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina that can cause discharge, irritation, or discomfort. T. vaginalis can inflame vaginal tissue and produce vaginitis symptoms.
Chlamydia: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause overlapping genital symptoms but is bacterial and requires different treatment.
Trophozoite: An active, feeding life-cycle stage of a protozoan, as opposed to a resistant cyst. T. vaginalis exists in this active form and has no known cyst stage.
Wet mount microscopy: Microscopic examination of a fresh, untreated specimen suspended in liquid. Motile parasites may be visible in vaginal fluid, though sensitivity is limited.
Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often causing pain or difficulty during urination. The parasite can infect the urethra and contribute to urinary symptoms.
Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Its genital symptoms can resemble trichomoniasis, but its causative organism and therapy differ.
Adhesion (biology): The attachment of a cell or organism to another cell or surface. Attachment to urogenital epithelial cells helps the parasite establish infection.
Metronidazole: An antimicrobial drug used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. It is a standard treatment for trichomoniasis.