Search Results (66)

This study was conducted in Armenia and included 32 pregnant women with TV infection and 30 healthy controls. The vaginal virome includes viruses that infect human cells and unicellular eukaryotes such as Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Among these are Trichomonas vaginalis viruses (TVVs), double-stranded RNA viruses from the Totiviridae family, and giant DNA viruses that replicate in protozoa. This study investigated the presence of TVVs and giant protozoan viruses in pregnant women with trichomoniasis in Armenia and explored their potential associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vaginal and urethral samples were collected from 32 pregnant women with confirmed TV infection and 30 healthy pregnant controls. TVVs and giant viruses (Marseilleviridae, Mimiviridae, Phycodnaviridae) were detected using qRT-PCR. Viral RNA and DNA were extracted from clinical samples and TV cultures, followed by quantification and gene expression analysis. Selected TVVs were visualized via scanning electron microscopy. All TV-positive women carried at least one TVV strain, with 94% harboring multiple TVV types and TVV4 being the most common. TV infection was significantly associated with preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Giant viruses were identified in all TV-positive cases but in only 40% of controls. Marseilleviridae gene expression was observed in TV cultures, suggesting possible interactions. These findings highlight a potential role for protozoan viruses in reproductive complications and warrant further investigation. Full article

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and epidemiological changes of major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Korea over the past decade. Methods: From 2010 to 2021, patients diagnosed with STIs based on ICD-10 codes were analyzed using Korean Health insurance data. The analysis included the number of patients, prevalence, and age-specific prevalence (in 5-year intervals) over this period. We examined changes in disease patterns over time by analyzing the annual trends and age-specific prevalence of bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonorrhea, and syphilis; viral STIs such as genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and other infections including scabies, pubic lice, and trichomoniasis. Results: In 2010, the STI with the highest prevalence due to an infectious pathogen was trichomoniasis (256.65/100,000), while latent syphilis had the lowest prevalence (5.29/100,000). In 2021, the STI with the highest prevalence was genital herpes (254.54 per 100,000 persons), and latent syphilis continued to have the lowest prevalence. Bacterial STIs showed a decreasing trend. Viral STIs showed a continuous increase throughout the study period, with anogenital warts (AGW) having the highest rate of increase. Other infections showed a decreasing trend. HIV and AGW in men showed a rapid increase. Gender differences varied depending on the disease. Conclusions: While bacterial STIs have gradually declined, viral STIs have continued to increase during last decade. The characteristics of each pathogen vary according to age and gender, necessitating the establishment of risk groups for each pathogen and the development of prevention policies accordingly. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis, a prevalent sexually transmitted protozoan parasite, is associated with adverse birth outcomes, increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and cervical cancer. Despite its widespread impact, trichomoniasis remains underdiagnosed and underreported globally. Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus infecting T. vaginalis, could impact T. vaginalis pathogenicity. We provide an overview of TVV, including its genomic structure, transmission, impact on protein expression, role in 5-nitroimidazole drug susceptibility, and clinical significance. TVV is a ~5 kbp dsRNA virus enclosed within a viral capsid closely associated with the Golgi complex and plasma membrane of infected parasites. Hypothetical mechanisms of TVV transmission have been proposed. TVV affects protein expression in T. vaginalis, including cysteine proteases and surface antigens, thus impacting its virulence and ability to evade the immune system. Additionally, TVV may influence the sensitivity of T. vaginalis to treatment; clinical isolates of T. vaginalis not harboring TVV are more likely to be resistant to metronidazole. Clinically, TVV-positive T. vaginalis infections have been associated with a range in severity of genital signs and symptoms. Further research into interactions between T. vaginalis and TVV is essential in improving diagnosis, treatment, and the development of targeted interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase HIV transmission risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. AGYW prefer discreet self-testing options for HIV and pregnancy; however, other STI self-testing options are currently unavailable in this region. Methods: Seven Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) assays were validated for AGYW self-test use (using self-collected vaginal samples) in a cross-sectional study (PROVE). Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT (Cepheid_®, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) and OSOM^® Trichomonas test (Sekisui Diagnostics, Burlington, MA, USA) results from nurse-collected samples served as reference results to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV). One test, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test device (Visby Medical™, San Jose, CA, USA), was validated for accuracy of positive test results using self-collected samples and home-based testing in a longitudinal follow-up study enrolling AGYW aged 16–18 years. Paired GeneXpert^® NG/CT and TV results from nurse-collected vaginal samples served as reference tests. Results: In PROVE, 146 AGYW contributed 558 paired samples. The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test exhibited moderate to high sensitivity (66.7–100%), specificity (80–100%), NPV (66.7–100%), and PPV (66.7–100%) for NG, CT, and TV. The remaining tests’ performances were markedly lower. In the longitudinal study, 28 AGYW contributed 84 paired samples, and the Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated 100% accuracy of positive results for CT, NG, and TV. Conclusions: The Visby Medical™ Sexual Health Test demonstrated high reliability as a potential option for AGYW to discreetly self-test for multiple STIs concurrently. Testing of its acceptability, utility, and feasibility in a larger sample of AGYW is in progress. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoan responsible for trichomoniasis, encounters fluctuating levels of metal cations in the male urogenital tract, notably zinc (Zn²⁺) and cadmium (Cd²⁺), which may induce genotoxic stress. While zinc is a key physiological component of the male reproductive tract, both Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ can become genotoxic at elevated concentrations. However, their effect on DNA repair mechanisms in T. vaginalis remains poorly understood. This study characterizes, for the first time, the expression and modulation of the recombinase TvRAD51, a homologous recombination (HR) key enzyme, in response to UV irradiation and sublethal concentrations of Zn²⁺ (1.6 mM) and Cd²⁺ (0.1 mM). In silico analyses confirmed the presence and conserved structure of the tvrad51 gene and its interaction with HR-related proteins, such as TvBLM and TvBRCA2. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays revealed that TvRAD51 is upregulated at both transcript and protein levels following UV- and cation-induced DNA damage, with distinct temporal expression patterns for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ exposure. Notably, TvRAD51 showed nuclear localization at early time points post-exposure, suggesting active participation in DNA repair processes. These findings demonstrate that TvRAD51 is a central component of the genotoxic stress response in T. vaginalis, potentially contributing to parasite survival and adaptation in hostile environments through homologous recombination repair pathways. Full article

Sexual assault crimes consist of acts committed without consent and represent a major global issue with serious implications for victims. These acts have both short- and long-term consequences on the physical, mental, and sexual health of victims, with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) being one of the direct outcomes of such crimes. Sexually transmitted infections constitute a serious global public health problem and can lead to severe consequences. These infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are transmitted through sexual contact. Some of the most common STIs among the general population and victims of sexual crimes include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. In most carriers, these infections are asymptomatic, making their detection particularly challenging. Considering the importance of further research in this field, the primary objectives of this study are to review the existing literature on the incidence of major STIs in victims of sexual crimes, to identify the various risk factors associated with these infections, and to explore their public health implications. Additionally, this study aims to assess different STI detection techniques, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages. Studies on this topic are crucial for better understanding the role of sexually transmitted infections in the context of sexual crimes. However, throughout this work, it was verified that point-of-care methods are a good option to allow the diagnosis to be faster and more accurate, when compared to other methods of detecting sexually transmitted infections. Full article

Background: Madagascar is one of the lowest-income countries in Africa, and it has a poorly developed healthcare system. Malagasy women face limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, which is a serious risk factor facilitating the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of STIs (Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and HIV-1/HIV-2) and urogenital schistosomiasis, as well as to evaluate hematological parameters and nutritional status, in a group of women from northern Madagascar. Methods: The study was conducted in April 2024 at the Clinique Médicale Beyzym in Manerinerina, Ambatoboeny District. Samples, which included overnight urine, venous blood, and vaginal swabs, were collected from 159 women aged 15–80 years. The urine samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs by light microscopy, the vaginal swabs were tested for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections (by light microscopy), and venous blood samples were collected into VACUTAINER SEC collection tubes without anticoagulant and were tested for HIV-1/HIV-2 and Treponema pallidum infections using test cassettes. Results: The prevalence of STIs in the study group was found to be 31.5%, while S. haematobium infections were found in 17.6% of the tested women. Cases of gonorrhea (20.1%), trichomoniasis (8.8%), syphilis (7.6%), and one case of HIV infection were identified. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of STIs and S. haematobium cases in Tsimihety women. In order to improve the quality of healthcare in Madagascar, it is necessary to improve accessibility to maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services. Full article

The increasing resistance of Trichomonas vaginalis to the only approved chemical family of drugs for treatment, the 5-nitroimidazoles, has prompted the exploration of new therapeutic agents against this prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection. Natural products have emerged as a significant source of novel treatments for trichomoniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-T. vaginalis activity of citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), the main constituent of the essential oil of Cymbopogon species, commonly known as lemongrass. Our findings indicate that citral exhibits a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 μM, effectively inhibiting the growth of T. vaginalis trophozoites within 12 h of exposure, and a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of approximately 40 μM after 24 h. Furthermore, the evaluation of nitric oxide (NO) levels suggests that citral possesses antioxidant properties. Molecular docking studies reveal a weak interaction with three parasite proteins: thioredoxin reductase (TvTrxR), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (TvPNP), and methionine gamma lyase (TvMGL). The present study highlights the potential of citral as a candidate for the development of no-nitroimidazole drugs, offering new avenues for trichomoniasis treatment and underscoring the importance of further investigation into citral’s mechanism of action. Full article

Tritrichomonas foetus is a sexually transmitted protozoan that causes early embryonic death in cattle. A challenge in trichomonosis research is that in vivo studies of treatments, diagnostic strategies, and vaccines are severely hampered by the logistical challenge and cost of maintaining adult bulls. Since natural infections are diagnosed in postpubescent animals, the paradigm is that only mature breeding bulls can be infected. In this study, we hypothesized that prepubescent bull calves could be artificially infected with T. foetus trophozoites for the purpose of conducting research trials. Initial attempts to directly infect bull calves with two different parasite isolates resulted in the sporadic and transient detection of parasite DNA but not culturable trophozoites. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that urine directly inhibited trophozoites, likely by osmotic damage and mechanical flushing action. Studies utilizing a perineal urethrostomy to remove urine flow from the prepuce resulted in the ability to colonize the prepuce, with live organisms being cultured for as long as 15 days post-inoculation. Future studies optimizing this technique have the potential to accelerate the pace of bovine trichomonosis research and may have applications in the study of human trichomoniasis. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women worldwide. However, there is little information available regarding the burden of trichomoniasis infection among Chinese women. The aim of the present study is to assess the status of trichomoniasis in China. To address this gap, we searched seven databases for relevant studies published from their inception to June 2024. The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis in China was determined to be 6.31% with a high level of heterogeneity (I² = 99.68%). Subgroup analysis also demonstrated a statistically significant association between the T. vaginalis prevalence in the type of population, age range, year, residential status, and province. Among these, sex workers are the most prominent with 12.16%. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the infection rate of T. vaginalis among Chinese women had not shown a significant decline over time (p = 0.2919). Therefore, it continues to be a public health issue that should not be overlooked. Sex workers and rural women have a relatively higher infection rate of trichomoniasis, and this is largely associated with sexual safety awareness and hygiene conditions. Our findings provide crucial information for healthcare authorities and can shed light on the prevention strategies for trichomoniasis in China. Full article

A significant portion of women encounter vaginal infections at some point in their lives. These infections have many effects such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), severe disseminated infections, and complications affecting fetal health during pregnancy. Vaginal infections can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, thereby concealing their presence. This study aimed to determine the frequency and causative agents of vaginal infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic women in Konya. The study included 200 patients aged > 18 years who visited the gynecology clinic for any reason and provided informed consent. Patients who reported at least one of the symptoms of vaginal discharge, burning, or itching were categorized into the symptomatic group, while those without any of these complaints were categorized into the asymptomatic group. Vaginal swab samples collected from the patients were evaluated for bacterial vaginosis (BV) using the Nugent scoring method on Gram-stained smears. Trichomonas vaginalis was investigated through Giemsa-stained microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Samples were also cultured on routine media to analyze fungal and bacterial growth. A total of 74% of the patients were symptomatic, and 26% were asymptomatic and were admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinic for reasons other than vaginitis. According to the Nugent scoring system, BV was observed in 21.6% of the symptomatic group and 13.5% of the asymptomatic group. T. vaginalis was detected in only seven patients (3.5%) through microscopic examination and PCR. Among the patients with T. vaginalis, five were in the symptomatic group, and two were in the asymptomatic group. The rate of vaginal candidiasis was found to be 34.5% in the symptomatic group and 21.2% in the asymptomatic group. Aerobic vaginitis was observed in 12.8% of the symptomatic group and 7.7% of the asymptomatic group. The positivity rates for BV, vaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis in asymptomatic patients are concerning. Considering the fetal complications and chronic effects of vaginal infections, the decision to establish screening programs in the asymptomatic patient group should be based on national data, considering the prevalence of the pathogen in the region and its outcomes. Full article

The general female population is not considered a high-risk group for screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This retrospective study describes the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), Mycoplasma spp., Ureaplasma spp., genital Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Monkeypox (mpox), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in asymptomatic and symptomatic cisgender women attending our walk-in STI clinic for the first time. Furthermore, it analyzes the number of individuals who returned for follow-up and were diagnosed with new STIs. Over 20 months, 189 women with a median age of 28.4 years were screened [129 (68.3%) asymptomatic and 60 (31.8%) symptomatic]. In order of prevalence, the most common STIs were: Ureaplasma spp. infections (50.3%), C. trachomatis (10.6%), N. gonorrhoeae (5.8%), Mycoplasma hominis infections (5.8%), T. pallidum (2.65%), HSV2 infections (2.65%), and mpox (0.53%). No diagnosis of HIV, trichomoniasis, HBV, or HCV was registered. After the initial evaluation, 128 (67.7%) women returned for follow-up, but only 43 (22.8%) repeated screening; among them, 11 (25.6%) were diagnosed with new STIs. Given the high prevalence of STIs in cisgender women, awareness measures to improve screening and prevention strategies in this neglected population are required. Full article

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are an important and growing public health concern. Implementation of screening programmes and awareness campaigns are crucial to mitigate this problem. A university in the central region of Portugal has devised a health-promotion programme, named Protection+, specifically directed towards the sexual health of the university community. The present study aimed to evaluate the results of the different actions undertaken as part of the health-promotion programme during the 2023–2024 academic year. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and infection with Mycoplasma genitalium were assessed through real-time polymerase chain reaction protocols. Syphilis, infection with HIV, HBV and HCV were assessed through immunological assays. The adherence to the health-promotion programme after the awareness campaigns was also evaluated. STIs have been diagnosed in 13.7% of the 475 screened participants. Chlamydia was the STI most frequently diagnosed (8.4%), followed by infection with M. genitalium (2.3%), T. pallidum (2.0%) and N. gonorrhoeae (1.1%). HIV, HBV and HCV were diagnosed in a residual number of cases, and T. vaginalis was not detected in any of the screened participants. At the time of diagnosis, more than half of the infected patients were asymptomatic. After the implementation of awareness campaigns, an increase in the adherence to STI screening was observed, with the expected simultaneous increase in STI diagnoses. The high prevalence of STIs, particularly chlamydia, in the university population, along with the asymptomatic nature of these infections, demonstrated the importance of STI screenings and the implementation of campaigns that raise awareness on the prevention and consequences of untreated STIs. Full article

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most prevalent curable STIs. Although treatments are available, T. vaginalis infections pose a significant challenge, especially in resource-limited regions, as the prevalence of this STI is often unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in women screened for cervical cancer precursor lesions in Botucatu in São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study that included 23,735 women who attended the cervical cancer screening program at health units in 2019 and 2022. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from the cancer information system (SISCAN) and test requisition forms. Descriptive analysis was conducted, and comparisons were performed using the X2 Test and Student’s t-test (SigmaPlot version 13.0). The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 0.84% in 2019 and 0.57% in 2022. The mean age of patients with trichomoniasis was 42 (±11.2) years; 75% self-reported as white, 43% were married or in a stable relationship, and 40% had not completed primary education. Regarding the vaginal microbiota, only 15.3% of the cytology exams with infection by T. vaginalis showed a predominance of lactobacilli species, while inflammation was present in 82% of the smears. Cytological analysis revealed precursor lesions of cervical cancer in 0.05% of patients with trichomoniasis, including ASC, LSIL, and HSIL. The study showed a low prevalence of infection with T. vaginalis in low-risk women screened for precursor lesions of cervical cancer in Botucatu in São Paulo, Brazil. Full article

Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus), the causative agent of bovine trichomoniasis, is an obligate protozoan parasite of the bovine reproductive tract and can be found on the penis, prepuce, and distal urethra of the bull and from the cranial vagina to the oviduct in the infected cow. To date, the microbiome of bulls infected with T. foetus has not been described. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the preputial and penile microbiome of bulls chronically infected by T. foetus, (2) describe the seminal microbiome of T. foetus-infected bulls, and (3) evaluate different collection devices that could be used for sampling. Eleven bulls naturally infected with T. foetus were utilized for the collection of samples. Samples were obtained during the process of a routine breeding soundness exam utilizing either a dacron swab, pizzle stick, double-guarded swab, or semen collection. The preputial and seminal microbiome of T. foetus-infected bulls was dominated by bacterial members of the phyla Fusobacteriota, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, and Campylobacterota. Semen collection yielded the most microbial diversity; however, there was no significant difference between the four methods (p ≥ 0.05). This study characterizes both the preputial and seminal microbial communities of bulls chronically infected by T. foetus. Full article