Sexually Transmitted Infections: Vaginitis and Vaginosis Trichomoniasis

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical Presentation

• Clinical symptoms of infection by Trichomonas vaginalis include malodorous purulent vaginal discharge, dysuria, and genital inflammation.

• Examination reveals profuse frothy discharge and cervical petechiae.

• T. vaginalis is often asymptomatic, especially in males.

Diagnostic Testing

• NAATs and antigen detection tests are available to detect T. vaginalis and offer improved sensitivity over the traditional visualization of motile trichomonads on a saline wet mount of vaginal discharge.

• Elevated vaginal pH (#8805;4.5) is usually seen.