Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Using Parasitological Methods in Tehran

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan with a predilection for human urogenital tract and causative agent for vaginitis, cervicitis and urethritis in females. T. vaginalis is known as a cofactor in transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and may lead to adverse outcomes in pregnant women. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in females attending Mirzakuchak Khan Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

Methods: During May 2008 to March 2009, 500 vaginal discharges samples were obtained from women attending sexual transmitted disease (STD) clinic of Mirzakuchak Khan Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The samples were examined by Dorsse culture medium and wet-mount meth­ods. The prevalence of T. vaginalis was determined using culture based method and wet-mount examinations.

Results: Sixteen positive (3.2%) and 484 negative (96.8%) samples for T. vaginalis were de­tected by culture based methods. The wet mount examination revealed 13 positive (2.6%) and 487 negative (97.4%) samples. In the above population, prevalence of trichomoniasis was es­timated as 3.2% based on culturing method.

Conclusion: Due to adverse outcomes of vaginal trichomoniasis and its correlation with HIV transmission, there is a great need for public education regarding implementation of personal hygienic measures and prevention of inappropriate sexual contacts.