Trichomonas Vaginalis
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Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic, flagellated protozoan, a form of microorganism. It is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, and is the most common pathogenic protozoan infection of humans in industrialized countries.
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| (Unranked) | Excavata |
| Phylum | Metamonada |
| Class | Parabasalia |
| Order | Trichomonadida |
| Genus | Trichomonas |
| Species | T. vaginalis |
| Binomial | Trichomonas vaginalis |
Contents |
[edit] Surface Characteristics
T. vaginalis trophozoite is oval, flagellated protozoan with size of 9 X 7 μm. Out of five flagella near the cytostome, four immediately extend outside the cell together, while the fifth flagellum wraps backwards along the surface of the organism. A conspicuous barb-like axostyle projects opposite the four-flagella bundle, that may be used for attachment to surfaces and may also cause the tissue damage noted in trichomoniasis infections.
[edit] Transmission
Its transmission mainly takes place during anal sex, mutual masturbation when bodily fluids from one partner come in contact with the other's genitals, oral sex and vaginal sex.
[edit] Pathogenic Activity
It causes Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection which can occur in females if the normal acidity of the vagina is shifted from a healthy, semi-acidic pH (3.8 - 4.2) to a much more basic or alkaline one (5 - 6) that is conducive to T. vaginalis growth.
[edit] Virulence
In females it may cause preterm delivery, low birth weight, and increased mortality as well as predisposing to HIV infection, AIDS, and cervical cancer.
