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Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection in Men with High-Risk Sexual Behaviors
Abdolhossein Dalimi1, Samira Payameni1
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan pathogen of the human genitourinary tract, which is the cause of trichomoniasis. The disease is one of the most important non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the world. Many studies have been performed on the molecular identification of Trichomonas in men in different parts of the world, but in Iran, such a study has been very limited. We aimed to detect T. vaginalis in urine of men with unusual sexual behavior by wet mount microscopic observation, culturing in TYM-33 and molecular method in Tehran, Iran.
Methods:
Totally, 47 urine samples were collected from men with high-risk sexual behaviors referred to Health Care Centers in South of Tehran, Iran during 2017-2018. After urine centrifugation and wet mount sediment preparation, the samples were cultured in TYM-33 medium and examined microscopically. Then DNA was extracted from urine sediment samples and finally the 18srRNA gene was amplified by PCR.
Results:
Thirty-one (65.95%) urine samples were positive for T. vaginalis by PCR. Of these, only 6 (12.76%) were detected positive by wet mount method and 25 (53.19%) by culture and successive passages.
Conclusion:
The high prevalence of trichomoniasis among men with high-risk sexual behavior in Tehran indicates a potent health risk condition for families. Of course, this percentage is not the real infection rate in ordinary men in Tehran. This situation could be controlled by promoting concurrent diagnosis and treatment of T. vaginalis infection in men and women, as well as strengthening religious beliefs and health education in the individuals.
Insights
Trichomonas vaginalis, a common cause of sexually transmitted infections, was detected in over 65% of urine samples from high-risk men in Tehran using PCR. This highlights the need for integrated diagnosis and treatment strategies to control trichomoniasis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, a significant non-viral sexually transmitted infection globally.
- Limited studies exist on the molecular identification of Trichomonas in men within Iran.
- This study addresses the detection of T. vaginalis in Iranian men with high-risk sexual behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect Trichomonas vaginalis in urine samples from men exhibiting high-risk sexual behaviors in Tehran, Iran.
- To compare the efficacy of wet mount microscopy, TYM-33 culture, and PCR for T. vaginalis detection.
- To assess the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 47 urine samples from men with high-risk sexual behaviors in Tehran (2017-2018).
- Examination of samples via wet mount microscopy and culture in TYM-33 medium.
- Molecular detection using PCR amplification of the 18srRNA gene from urine sediment DNA.
Main Results:
- PCR identified T. vaginalis in 31 (65.95%) samples, significantly higher than other methods.
- Wet mount microscopy detected only 6 (12.76%) positive cases.
- Culture methods identified 25 (53.19%) positive cases, with successive passages.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of T. vaginalis in high-risk men in Tehran indicates a significant public health concern.
- The findings underscore the superior sensitivity of PCR for T. vaginalis detection in urine.
- Integrated diagnosis and treatment of T. vaginalis in both sexes, alongside health education, are crucial for disease control.
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