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Infection
Published in: Infection 4/2016

01-08-2016 | Review

Trichomonas vaginalis: pathogenicity and potential role in human reproductive failure

Authors: Ewelina Mielczarek, Joanna Blaszkowska

Published in: Infection | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Trichomonas vaginalis, which colonizes the genitourinary tract of men and women, is a sexually transmitted parasite causing symptomatic or asymptomatic trichomoniasis. The host–parasite relationship is very complex, and clinical symptoms cannot likely be attributed to a single pathogenic effect. Among the many factors responsible for interactions between T. vaginalis and host tissues, contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms are important in pathogenicity, as is the immune response.

Methods

This review focuses on the potential virulence properties of T. vaginalis and its role in female and male infertility.

Results

It highlights the association between T. vaginalis infection and serious adverse health consequences experienced by women, including infertility, preterm birth and low-birth-weight infants. Long-term clinical observations and results of in vitro experimental studies indicate that in men, trichomoniasis has been also associated with infertility through inflammatory damage to the genitourinary tract or interference with sperm function.

Conclusion

These results contribute significantly to improving our knowledge of the role of parasitic virulence factors in the development of infection and its role in human infertility.
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Metadata
Title
Trichomonas vaginalis: pathogenicity and potential role in human reproductive failure
Authors
Ewelina Mielczarek
Joanna Blaszkowska
Publication date
01-08-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Infection / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0300-8126
Electronic ISSN: 1439-0973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-015-0860-0

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