Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products
Published on: December 5, 2020
The antimicrobial effect of boric acid on Trichomonas vaginalis
Andrew Brittingham1, Wayne A Wilson
1From the *Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and †Biochemistry and Nutrition, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA.
Background:
The treatment options for trichomoniasis are largely limited to nitroimidazole compounds (metronidazole and tinidazole). Few alternatives exist in cases of recalcitrant infections or in cases of nitroimidazole hypersensitivity. Recently, the intravaginal administration of boric acid has been advocated as an alternative treatment of trichomoniasis. However, no in vitro studies are available that directly assess the sensitivity of Trichomonas vaginalis to boric acid.
Methods:
We examined the sensitivity of common laboratory strains and recent clinical isolates of T. vaginalis to boric acid. The effect of increasing concentrations of boric acid on parasite growth and viability was determined, and a minimal lethal concentration was reported. The effect of pH on boric acid toxicity was assessed and compared with that of lactic and acetic acid.
Results:
Boric acid is microbicidal to T. vaginalis, and its antitrichomonal activity is independent of environmental acidification. Unlike acetic acid and lactic acid, boric acid exposure results in growth suppression and lethality over a wide range of pH (5-7) and under conditions that are normally permissible for growth in vitro.
Conclusions:
The microbicidal effect of boric acid on T. vaginalis, coupled with its previous clinical use in treating vaginal candidiasis, supports the continued inclusion of boric acid in the therapeutic arsenal for treating trichomoniasis.
More Related Videos
06:49Reduced Itraconazole Concentration and Durations Are Successful in Treating Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infection in Amphibians
Published on: March 14, 2014
06:50A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Antifungal Agents
Anthelminthic Agents
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy