Double-stranded RNA viral infection in Tehran trichomonas vaginalis isolates

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoon and may be contaminated with dsRNA virus called Trichomonas vaginalis virus [TVV]. The viral infection is an important factor for its pathogenesis and sensitivity to metronidazole. The presence of TVV is associated with qualitative and quantitative expression of cysteine proteinases and surface immunogenic; P270. The purpose of this study was to determine TVV frequency in T. vaginalis clinical isolates in Tehran, Iran. The 46 T. vaginalis isolates were collected from Tehran Province and cultured in TYI-S-33 culture medium. Viral RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was done. Of 46 T. vaginalis isolates, 8 isolates [17.39%] were infected with TVV-1. There was not any association between patient age and TVV- infected T. vaginalis. There were 17.39% viral infection in T. vaginalis isolates which was lower than that reported by other researchers. This is the first report on T. vaginalis isolates infection by TVV-1 in Iran

Gene diversity of trichomonas vaginalis isolates

Trichomonas vaginalis is protozoan parasite responsible for trichomoniasis and is more common in high-risk behavior group such as prostitute individuals. Interest in trichomoniasis is due to increase one's susceptibility to viruses such as herpes, human papillomavirus and HIV. The aim of this study was to find genotypic differences between the isolates. Forty isolates from prisoners' women in Tehran province were used in this study. The random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] technique was used to determine genetic differences among isolates and was correlated with patient's records. By each primer the banding pattern size of each isolates was scored [bp], genetic differences were studied, and the genealogical tree was constructed by using NTSYS software program and UPGMA method. The least number of bands were seen by using primer OPD 8 and the most by using OPD 3. Results showed no significant difference in isolates from different geographical areas in Iran. By using primer OPD1 specific amplified fragment with length 1300 base pair were found in only 8 isolates. All these isolates were belonged to addicted women; however, six belonged to asymptomatic patients and two to symptomatic ones. There was not much genetic diversity in T vaginalis isolates from three different geographical areas

Molecular diagnosis of trichomoniasis in negative samples examined by direct smear and culture

Trichomoniasis is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection [STI] worldwide and is associated with important public health problems, including amplification of HIV transmission. This disease is in forms of symptomatic and asymptomatic in women and may depend on host as well as parasite variables. Most of the studies reported from females are based on examination of vaginal secretions and urine samples by direct smear and culture in modified Diamond's media. The aim of this study was checking the samples, which were negatively by direct smear and culture, with PCR technique. The urine samples and vaginal discharge of patients attending Gynecology Clinics of Mazandaran Province, Iran with different symptoms rechecked for Trichomonas vaginalis by PCR technique using primers targeting a conserved region of the beta-tubulin genes of the parasite. Data were analyzed by Epi Info software program. Out of 161 negative samples by direct smear and culture, seven samples [4.3%] were positive by PCR technique. Diagnosis of trichomoniasis by PCR is a sensitive and specific method that could play important role to help the physicians for properly treatment and control of infection

Trichomoniasis in asymptomatic patients

Trichomoniasis is an extremely common infection worldwide and is associated with important public health problems, including amplification of HIV transmission. This disease is in forms of symptomatic and asymptomatic in women and may depend on host as well as parasite variables. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the patients attending gynecology clinic with different symptoms and checked them for Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The vaginal secretion and urine samples of the patients attending gynecology clinic, Imam Reza Hospital, Amol City, were checked by direct smear and cultured in TYI-S-33 culture media. Out of 853 samples collected, 8[0.9%] were positive for T. vaginalis and the number of asymptomatic patients for trichomoniasis were 1.3 times more than infected samples belong to symptomatic ones. Per speculum examination revealed that 75% of T. vaginalis positive subjects had normal appearance of vagina and cervix. According to the epidemiological aspects, these asymptomatic patients are very important as healthy carriers, and T. vaginalis infections are commonly associated with other STDs and are a marker of high-risk sexual behavior. Thus laboratories could play important role for diagnosis of infection and help the physicians for proper treatment

Superoxide radical formation in isolated PMN from experimental vaginal trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, the most widespread sexually transmitted disease is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite is site specific for the genitourinary tract and recruitment of macrophages as well as polymorphonuclear nutrophils [PMN] to the site of infection is the first line of defense as a component of non-specific resistance and immunity. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected with 10 isolates from symptomatic and 10 from asymptomatic patients. Then PMN from vaginal washes, vaginal tissue and blood of infected mice was isolated and the rate of superoxide formation by intact stimulated PMN was measured. Results showed that, mice infected with symptomatic isolates indicated significant increase in polymorphs with increase in days of infection as compared with mice infected with asymptomatic isolate and control [uninfected] animals. Vaginal tissue cells generated maximal amount of superoxide in symptomatic isolates infected animals [5.17 +/- 0.36] as compared to asymptomatic isolates [4.54 +/- 0.43], which brings out the maximal abnormality in PMN in this localized area. The amount of superoxide radicals generated by cells of vaginal washes and blood of symptomatic isolate infected mice] 4.29 +/- 0.25 and 2.16 +/- 0.35] was less than the asymptomatic isolate [4.94 +/- 0.49 and 3.18 +/- 0.26], respectively. This study indicates that super oxide radical generation may play role in establishing the infection

Evaluation of trichomonas vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in mouse model

Trichomoniasis, a worldwide prevalent infection, is a perfect example of interplay between the infecting parasite and the host, on which the presentation of disease depends. To study the pathogenesis, animal model is required for establishment of infection. In this study, by using strains of Trichomonas vaginalis isolated from vaginal swabs and/or urine samples and maintained in axenic form from 10 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic female patients, the infections in BALB/c mice have been evaluated. Based on parasitic load, experimental peak infection in vagina of estradiol and L. acidophilus treated female BALB/c mice was observable on 5[th] post infection day. This was significantly higher in mice infected with isolates from symptomatic patients in comparison to the other group. Gradual increase up to day 5 followed by decline in parasites, polymorphs and vaginal epithelial cells was observed in mice infected with isolates from symptomatic subjects in contrast to mice infected with asymptomatic patients' isolates or control animals at all time intervals