scholarly journals Neutrophil interactions with the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis: implications for immunity and pathogenesis

Open Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 200192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhani B. Bhakta ◽  
Jose A. Moran ◽  
Frances Mercer
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Mycoplasma Hominis ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Parasite Clearance ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Innate And Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Microbial Symbionts

Trichomoniasis is the third most common sexually transmitted infection in humans and is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis ( Tv ). Pathogenic outcomes are more common in women and generally include mild vaginitis or cervicitis. However, more serious effects associated with trichomoniasis include adverse reproductive outcomes. Like other infectious agents, pathogenesis from Tv infection is predicted to be the result of both parasite and host factors. At the site of infection, neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells present and probably play key roles in both parasite clearance and inflammatory pathology. Here, we discuss the evidence that neutrophils home to the site of Tv infection, kill the parasite, and that in some circumstances, parasites possibly evade neutrophil-directed killing. In vitro , the parasite is killed by neutrophils using a novel antimicrobial mechanism called trogocytosis, which probably involves both innate and adaptive immunity. While mechanisms of evasion are mostly conjecture at present, the persistence of Tv infections in patients argues strongly for their existence. Additionally, many strains of Tv harbour microbial symbionts Mycoplasma hominis or Trichomonasvirus , which are both predicted to impact neutrophil responses against the parasite. Novel research tools, especially animal models, will help to reveal the true outcomes of many factors involved in neutrophil- Tv interactions during trichomoniasis.

scholarly journals The protozoanTrichomonas vaginalistargets bacteria with laterally-acquired NlpC/P60 peptidoglycan hydrolases

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jully Pinheiro ◽  
Jacob Biboy ◽  
Waldemar Vollmer ◽  
Robert P. Hirt ◽  
Jeremy R. Keown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Mixed Cultures ◽  
Vaginal Mucosa ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Peptidoglycan Hydrolases

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalisis a human eukaryotic pathogen and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This extracellular protozoan parasite is intimately associated with the human vaginal mucosa and microbiota but key aspects of the complex interactions between the parasite and the vaginal bacteria remain elusive. We report thatT. vaginalishas acquired, by lateral gene transfer from bacteria, genes encoding peptidoglycan hydrolases of the NlpC/P60 family. Two of theT. vaginalisenzymes were active against bacterial peptidoglycan, retaining the active site fold and specificity as DL-endopeptidases. The endogenous NlpC/P60 genes are transcriptionally up regulated inT. vaginaliswhen in the presence of bacteria. The over-expression of an exogenous copy produces a remarkable phenotype where the parasite is capable of competing out bacteria from mixed cultures, consistent with the biochemical activity of the enzymein vitro. Our study highlights the relevance of the interactions of this eukaryotic pathogen with bacteria, a poorly understood aspect on the biology of this important human parasite.Author summaryTrichomonas vaginalisis a protozoan parasite that causes a very common sexually transmitted disease known as trichomoniasis. This extracellular parasite resides in the vagina where it is in close association with the mucosa and the local microbiota. Very little is known about the nature of the parasite-bacteria interactions. Here, we report that this parasite had acquired genes from bacteria which retained their original function producing active enzymes capable of degrading peptidoglycan, a polymer that is chemically unique to the cell envelope of bacteria. Our results indicate that these enzymes help the parasite compete out bacteria in mixed cultures. These observations suggest that these enzymes may be critical for the parasite to establish infection in the vagina, a body site that is densely colonised with bacteria. Our study further highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between pathogens and microbiota, as the outcomes of these interactions are increasingly understood to have important implications on health and disease.

A Review on Diagnostic Methods for Trichomonas Vaginalis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rahmani ◽  
Yahya Ehteshaminia ◽  
Hamid Mohammadi ◽  
Seif Ali Mahdavi
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Introduction: Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which infects the urogenital tract of men and women. Approximately, 250 million new cases of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection are reported worldwide each year. Trichomoniasis is also considered an important HIV co-infection. The infection is often asymptomatic but can be accompanied by symptoms such as severe inflammation, itching and irritation, foamy discharge, and malodorous smell mucus, but the signs and symptoms of the disease are not sufficient for specific diagnosis. Material and Methods: In this study, the websites of PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Margiran were searched and related articles were reviewed. Results: Only screening and the use of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic methods can identify asymptomatic individuals. Today, the most common way to diagnose the infection is to use wet slide, Pap smear and culture methods that do not have high sensitivity and specificity. Also, due to the increase in infection and its complications, finding an efficient, rapid, and easy test to detect the parasite and differentiate Trichomoniasis vaginitis from other sexually transmitted diseases is considered important and necessary. Conclusion: Nowadays, there are several diagnostic methods that differentiate trichomoniasis infection from other sexually transmitted infections with high accuracy and sensitivity. Of course, existing diagnostic methods mostly use women's urine and vaginal samples for diagnosis, and methods that specifically diagnose the infection in men are more limited.

A Review on Herbal Treatments for Trichomonas Vaginalis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rahmani ◽  
Yahya Ehteshaminia ◽  
Hamid Mohammadi ◽  
Seif Ali Mahdavi
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Patient Acceptance ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that infects the urogenital tract of men and women and causes trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted disease in both men and women. The infection is often asymptomatic, but it can be accompanied by symptoms such as severe inflammation, itching and burning, foamy discharge and foul-smelling mucus. In one year, 250 million cases of Trichomonas vaginalis were reported worldwide. Material and Methods: In this study, the websites of PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Margiran were searched and related articles were reviewed.    Results: Today, the most common treatment for this disease is the use of metronidazole. However, its side effects, which include hematological and neurotoxic effects, cannot be ignored. Because of these side effects, researchers are looking for a suitable replacement for metronidazole in the treatment of trichomoniasis. Researchers' desire to use  herbs can be due to various reasons such as fewer side effects, better patient acceptance, recommendation of traditional medicine, lower prices of herbs and also compatibility with the normal physiological function of the human body. Conclusion: Considering the inhibitory effects of medicinal plants on the growth and proliferation of Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro, it can be concluded that the use of these plants can have many applications in the treatment of trichomoniasis. As a result, by studying more about their advantages and disadvantages, it is possible to make a drug that has higher therapeutic effects with fewer side effects.

Zinc-clotrimazole complexes are effective against Trichomonas vaginalis

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (9) ◽  
pp. 1206-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Midlej ◽  
Felipe Rubim ◽  
Wilmer Villarreal ◽  
Érica S. Martins-Duarte ◽  
Maribel Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Parasite Resistance ◽  
Zinc Compounds ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Zinc Salts ◽  
Imidazole Compounds

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). Imidazole compounds are used for the treatment of trichomoniasis, and metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed. However, these compounds can lead to parasite resistance and unwanted side effects. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative treatment for this disease. Here, we explored the potential of clotrimazole (CTZ) and zinc compounds, as well as CTZ complexed with zinc salts ([1] acetate [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] and [2] a chloride [Zn(CTZ)2Cl2] complexes) against T. vaginalis. We synthesized the zinc complexed CTZ compounds and determined their concentration values that inhibited parasite growth by 50% (IC50). We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to visualize the ultrastructural alterations induced by CTZ and their zinc complexes. The incubation of the parasites with [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] complex inhibited their growth, yielding an IC50 of 4.9 µm. Moreover, there were changes in the shape of treated parasites, including the formation of surface projections that subsequently detached from the cell, in addition to changes in the hydrogenosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. We found [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] to be a highly effective compound against T. vaginalis in vitro, suggesting its potential utility as an alternative chemotherapy for trichomoniasis.

scholarly journals In vitro effect of tinidazole and furazolidone on metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis.

1996 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 1121-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
E M Narcisi ◽  
W E Secor
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Drug Of Choice ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Placental Membranes ◽  
Vitro Effect

Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted protozoan parasite. Although often considered simply a nuisance infection, T. vaginalis has been implicated in premature rupture of placental membranes and increases in the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus. Metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole, is currently the drug of choice to treat T. vaginalis infection. Because some patients have severe reactions to metronidazole and others are infected with metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis, we were prompted to investigate alternative therapies. Tinidazole, another 5-nitroimidazole used in other countries to treat T. vaginalis infections, and furazolidone, a nitrofuran presently used to treat giardiasis and infections with some anaerobic enteric bacteria, were investigated for effectiveness against 9 metronidazole-susceptible and 12 metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis patient isolates. The in vitro aerobic and anaerobic minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) and the time for drug efficacy were determined. Tinidazole killed the metronidazole-susceptible isolates at a low MLC but was effective against only 4 of the 12 metronidazole-resistant isolates. In contrast, furazolidone was effective at a low MLC for all isolates. When tinidazole was effective, it required > 6 h to kill trichomonads. However, furazolidone killed both metronidazole-susceptible and resistant trichomonads within 2 to 3 h of exposure. These data suggest that furazolidone may be a good candidate for treating metronidazole-resistant trichomoniasis and that further investigation of this drug is warranted.

scholarly journals Trichomonas vaginalis AND HIV INFECTION: RELATION AND PREVALENCE AMONG WOMEN IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-24
Author(s):  
Mirian Pinheiro Bruni ◽  
Carolina Caetano dos Santos ◽  
Dulce Stauffert ◽  
Nilton Da Cunha Filho ◽  
Guilherme De Oliveira Bicca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Hiv Negative

Trichomoniasis is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has been reported to be linked to exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although few studies have described this association. The purpose of this study was to focus on the incidence of trichomoniasis in low-income women, its relation to HIV status, viral load levels and TCD4+ cell counts, among other risk factors, using an in vitro culture as a diagnostic test. A crosssectional study among 267 women (103 HIV-positive and 164 HIV-negative) was conducted in 2015. The overall prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection was 6.4%. Among HIVpositive and HIV-negative women, the prevalence was 3.9% and 7.9%, respectively, yet these results were not statistically different (p=0.1878). The factors associated with TV infection were cigarette smoking (OR= 3.52), vaginal itching (OR=4.43) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) (OR= 5.29). HIV status, TCD4+ cell count and viral load were not associated with TV infection in this group. The prevalence rates found, lower than those observed in other studies, may be due to the fact that the women evaluated in the present study are part of a low-risk populationas well as the limited sample size of HIV positive women.

Trichomonas vaginalisandMycoplasma hominis: new tales of two old friends

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (9) ◽  
pp. 1150-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Dessì ◽  
Valentina Margarita ◽  
Anna Rita Cocco ◽  
Alessandra Marongiu ◽  
Pier Luigi Fiori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Proinflammatory Response ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Dsrna Viruses ◽  
Microbial Symbionts ◽  
Anaerobic Protist ◽  
Protozoan Cell ◽  
Old Friends

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalisis an anaerobic protist, responsible for the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection in humans. One of the most intriguing aspects ofT. vaginalispathobiology is the complex relationship with intracellular microbial symbionts: a group of dsRNA viruses belonging to family ofTotiviridae(T. vaginalisvirus), and eubacteria belonging to theMycoplasmagenus, in particularMycoplasma hominis. Both microorganisms seem to strongly influence the lifestyle ofT. vaginalis, suggesting a role of the symbiosis in the high variability of clinical presentation and sequelae during trichomoniasis. In the last few years many aspects of this unique symbiotic relationship have been investigated:M. hominisresides and replicates in the protozoan cell, andT. vaginalisis able to pass the bacterial infection to both mycoplasma-free protozoan isolates and human epithelial cells;M. hominissynergistically upregulates the proinflammatory response of human monocytes toT. vaginalis. Furthermore, the influence ofM. hominisoverT. vaginalismetabolism and physiology has been characterized. The identification of a novel species belonging to the class ofMollicutes(CandidatusMycoplasma girerdii) exclusively associated toT. vaginalisopens new perspectives in the research of the complex series of events taking place in the multifaceted world of the vaginal microbiota, both under normal and pathological conditions.

Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione-based metallodrugs and synergistic effect with metronidazole

Parasitology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (9) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziela Vargas Rigo ◽  
Brenda Petro-Silveira ◽  
Michael Devereux ◽  
Malachy McCann ◽  
André Luis Souza dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Low Cytotoxicity ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Clinical Drug ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

AbstractTrichomonas vaginalis is responsible for the most common non-viral, sexually transmitted infection, human trichomoniasis, and is associated with an increased susceptibility to HIV. An escalation in resistance (2.5–10%) to the clinical drug, metronidazole (MTZ), has been detected and this compound also has adverse side-effects. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently required. Herein, we investigate the possible anti-T. vaginalis activity of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione) and its metal complexes, [Ag(phendione)2]ClO4 and [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2·4H2O. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against T. vaginalis ATCC 30236 and three fresh clinical isolates and mammalian cells were performed using serial dilution generating IC50 and CC50 values. Drugs combinations with MTZ were evaluated by chequerboard assay. A strong anti-T. vaginalis activity was found for all test compounds. IC50 values obtained for [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2·4H2O were similar or lower than those obtained for MTZ. In vitro assays with normal cells showed low cytotoxicity and [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2·4H2O presented a high selectivity index (SI) for fibroblasts (SI = 11.39) and erythrocytes (SI > 57.47). Chequerboard assay demonstrated that the combination of [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2·4H2O with MTZ leads to synergistic interaction, which suggests distinct mechanisms of action of the copper–phendione complex and avoiding the MTZ resistance pathways. Our results highlight the importance of phendione-based drugs as potential molecules of pharmaceutical interest.

scholarly journals A Cell Surface Aggregation-Promoting Factor fromLactobacillus gasseriContributes to Inhibition ofTrichomonas vaginalisAdhesion to Human Vaginal Ectocervical Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niha Phukan ◽  
Anna E. S. Brooks ◽  
Augusto Simoes-Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Protective Mechanisms ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Vaginal Lactobacilli ◽  
A Cell

ABSTRACTTrichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is commonly symptomatic in women. The causative agent isTrichomonas vaginalis, an extracellular protozoan parasite. The host-protective mechanisms and molecules of vaginal lactobacilli that counteract this pathogen are largely unknown. This study examines the inhibition promoted byLactobacillus gasseriagainst the adhesion ofT. vaginalisto host cells, a critical virulence aspect of this pathogen. We observed that the vaginal strainL. gasseriATCC 9857 is highly inhibitory by various contact-dependent mechanisms and that surface proteins are largely responsible for this inhibitory phenotype. We found that the aggregation-promoting factor APF-2 from these bacteria significantly contributes to inhibition of the adhesion ofT. vaginalisto human vaginal ectocervical cells. Understanding the molecules and mechanisms used by lactobacilli to protect the host againstT. vaginalismight help in the development of novel and specific therapeutic strategies that take advantage of the natural microbiota.

Prevalence of Trichomonas Vaginalis and its Correlation with Socio-demographic Variables in Pregnant Women in Al-Diwaniya,Iraq

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (SPL1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiren Ali Al Hamzawi
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Vaginal Swabs ◽  
Low Education

Estimates of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in pregnant women are variable with few studies in Iraq.T. vaginalis is a worldwide prevalent sexually transmitted infection,but fortunately,it is very treatable. Researchers believed that pregnancy is one of the effective factors for T. vaginalis infection in women.A cross-sectional study performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital in Al-Diwaniya city on two hundred female pregnant patients between the ages of 16-45 years. These females had no intercourse for 2–3 days,not using drugs (antibiotics,antiprotozoal or steroids) for the last 15 days. Vaginal discharges of any type with or without itching,burning sensation or both were their main complaints. Vaginal swabs were taken from all participating patients for direct wet mount microscopy and culture for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study showed that twelve out of two hundred examined pregnant women (6%) presented with T. vaginalis infection. The infection was more in those with mothers’ age (26-35) years,housewives,low education,higher parity,and of rural residents. Other maternal variables were not significantly associated with T. vaginalis infection. The study showed a prevalence of (6%) of T. vaginalis infection in pregnant female attendees. Infection was more in those with mothers ’age (26-35) years,housewives,low educational level,higher parity,and living in rural areas.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document