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Published on: August 11, 2012

Laboratory studies with the systemic trichomonacide, metronidazole

R F JENNISON, P STENTON, L WATT

    Journal of Clinical Pathology
    |July 1, 1961
    PubMed

    Insights

    Metronidazole effectively kills Trichomonas vaginalis strains in vitro. Studies show rapid absorption, high urine concentration, and no demonstrated resistance or toxicity in humans.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite causing trichomoniasis.
    • Metronidazole is a common trichomonacidal agent used for treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of metronidazole against Trichomonas vaginalis in laboratory settings.
    • To assess metronidazole's pharmacokinetic profile (absorption and excretion) in human volunteers.
    • To investigate the potential for metronidazole resistance development in T. vaginalis.
    • To determine any toxic effects of metronidazole on human organs.

    Main Methods:

    • Laboratory studies involving in vitro exposure of T. vaginalis strains to metronidazole.
    • Pharmacokinetic analysis of serum and urine metronidazole levels in human volunteers.
    • In vivo and in vitro monitoring for metronidazole resistance.
    • Toxicological assessment of blood, liver, and kidney function.

    Main Results:

    • Metronidazole demonstrated rapid killing of 66 T. vaginalis strains at concentrations ranging from 0.0625 to 1 mug./ml within three days.
    • Pharmacokinetic data indicated rapid absorption and high urinary excretion of metronidazole in humans.
    • No instances of metronidazole resistance were observed in T. vaginalis, either in vivo or in vitro.
    • No adverse effects on blood, liver, or kidney function were detected.

    Conclusions:

    • Metronidazole is a highly effective trichomonacidal agent with favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
    • The drug is rapidly absorbed, achieves high urinary concentrations, and does not appear to induce resistance in T. vaginalis.
    • Metronidazole exhibits a good safety profile with no observed toxicity in key organs.
    Keywords:
    IMIDAZOLES/therapyTRICHOMONAS INFECTIONS/therapyVAGINITIS/therapy

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