Trichomonas vaginitis details

Many female friends will experience this phenomenon, that is, vulvar itching, but most of them will think that this is normal and nine out of ten people will have itching. In fact, it is not the case. You may be suffering from Trichomonas vaginitis. Let’s take a look at the detailed introduction of Trichomonas vaginitis.

Glossary

Trichomonas is pear-shaped, with a pointed rear end, about 2 to 3 times the size of a multinuclear leukocyte. There are 4 flagella at the top of the worm body, a fluctuating membrane on the body, and a protruding shaft column at the rear end. The living Trichomonas is transparent and colorless, in the shape of a water drop, and the flagella swing with the fluctuation of the fluctuating membrane. The life history of Trichomonas is simple, with only trophozoites but no cyst stage. The trophozoites have strong vitality and can survive for 2 days at 3 to 5°C; survive for 20 to 60 minutes at 46°C; survive for about 10 hours in a semi-dry environment; and survive for 45 to 120 minutes in ordinary soapy water. It does not grow in an environment below Ph5 or above 7.5. The vaginal pH value of patients with Trichomonas vaginitis is generally 5.1 to 5.4. Trichomonas hidden in the glands and vaginal folds often reproduce before and after menstruation, causing inflammation. It can consume or engulf the glycogen in the vaginal epithelial cells and hinder the production of lactic acid. Trichomonas not only parasitizes in the vagina. It also often invades the urethra or paraurethral glands, and even the bladder, renal pelvis, and the foreskin folds, urethra, or prostate of men. Trichomonas vaginitis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most common vaginal inflammations.

Etiology and pathology

The incubation period of Trichomonas vaginitis is 4 to 28 days[3]. The vaginal mucosa has small red particles or petechiae. The pH value is higher than normal. There is a large amount of yellow-green or gray foamy secretions flowing out of the vagina, which has a fishy odor and is sometimes mixed with a small amount of blood or pus.

The secretions irritate the vulva and cause itching. The vulva becomes red, or even develops inflammatory ulcers, which may spread to the genital folds due to moisture and abrasions. There is pain during sexual intercourse, and there may be symptoms such as urinary pain and frequent urination.

It is not difficult to diagnose based on symptoms and signs. The diagnosis can only be confirmed if vaginal Trichomonas is found. Vaginal secretions are examined by the hanging drop method. Active Trichomonas can be found under the microscope and can also be seen in stained smears. Culture can be performed if necessary. Trichomonas infection affects vaginal cells, and attention should be paid to distinguishing it from malignant tumors. If necessary, vaginal cytology examination can be performed after treatment.

In women, Trichomonas vaginalis mostly parasitizes the vagina, urethra, Bartholin's glands and bladder. Involvement of the Bartholin's glands is rare. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellate that is much larger than polymorphonuclear leukocytes, pear-shaped, with four flagella on the top and a protruding shaft at the tail. It can parasitize in the human body without causing clinical symptoms. Certain bacteria can induce Trichomonas to become active and produce symptoms, but antibodies in the body can be transmitted directly or indirectly, mainly through baths, bathing utensils, swimming pools, or incompletely disinfected medical equipment. Direct transmission can be through sexual intercourse, from the male urinary system, and the patient's urine and feces may also be the source.