Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis - Ilustration

Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI). Approximately 5 million women in the United States are infected annually. This may actually be an underestimate of the incidence of trichomoniasis. Screening methods are relatively insensitive and this infection is often not reported. It is caused by a protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. Infection with T vaginalis is easily transmitted sexually and is associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV. The mechanism of action is thought to be an increase in the vaginal secretions of CD4+ cells, which serve as target cells for the HIV virus. Furthermore, trichomoniasis infection is also associated with coinfection with other STIs.

Symptoms

Amoebiasis

DEFINITION

Amoebiasis is an infection of the large intestine produced by Entamoeba histolytica.

There are 7 species of amoeba that naturally parasitize the human mouth and intestine, but of these only E. histolytica causes disease. The organism may behave as a parasite (by harming the host) or as a commensal (when it does no harm to the host).

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Worldwide distribution

It is estimated that 10% of the world’s population is infected with amoebae. More prevalent in tropical areas where invasive amoebic infection is common. The presence of pathological zymodemes in tropics and poor sanitation is responsible for this state of affairs.