Trichomonas vaginalis associated with nongonococcal urethritis and prostatitis
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
|July 1, 1980
Summary
Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite, was found in men with nongonococcal urethritis and prostatitis. This infection can cause persistent symptoms resistant to common antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and prostatitis are common conditions in men.
- The role of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) in these conditions is not fully understood.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in treating genitourinary infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of T. vaginalis in men with NGU and prostatitis.
- To determine the association between T. vaginalis infection and persistent or antibiotic-resistant symptoms.
- To evaluate serologic evidence of T. vaginalis infection.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological culture of urethral and prostatic samples.
- Serologic testing using indirect hemagglutination assay.
- Clinical assessment of symptoms and treatment response.
Main Results:
- T. vaginalis was recovered from 1.7% of men with NGU and 2 of 11 men with prostatitis.
- Serologic evidence of T. vaginalis was found in 14% of men.
- In a subgroup of 26 men with T. vaginalis-associated urethritis/prostatitis, symptoms were persistent and suggested antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- T. vaginalis can be a causative agent in NGU and prostatitis.
- T. vaginalis infection may be associated with persistent and antibiotic-resistant genitourinary symptoms in men.
- Further investigation into T. vaginalis as a cause of refractory urethritis and prostatitis is warranted.
