ORGANISM 3 -- Trichomonas species
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
COMMON NAME: None.
PATHOGENESIS:
Trichomonas vaginalis:
Females: Vaginitis, pruritis; strawberry cercix.
Males: Urethritis; prostatovesiculitis.
Trichomonas hominis: Questionable pathogenicity; intestinal disorders; endemic
problem in honosexual communities.
Trichomonas tenax: opportunistic pathogen.
HABITAT:
Trichomonas vaginalis: Genitourinary tract.
Trichomonas hominis: Colon.
Trichomonas tenax: Mouth.
INTERMEDIATE HOST: None.
RESERVOIR HOST: None.
INFECTED FORM: Trophozoite.
MODE OF INFECTION:
Trichomonas vaginalis: Sexual contact.
Trichomonas hominis: Ingestion.
Trichomonas tenax: Direct contact.
LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION:
SPECIMEN SOURCE:
Trichomonas vaginalis: Vaginal and urethral discharges; prostate exudates.
Trichomonas hominis: Feces.
Trichomonas tenax: Gingival scrapings.
Figure 1-26. Life cycle of Trichomonas species.
MD0842
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