Dictionary > Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis

Definition
noun
A parasitic flagellated protozoan that may infect the vagina and the urethra of women and the urethra and prostate gland of men, and cause trichomoniasis
Supplement
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection resulting in vaginitis in women. It is marked by a copious, frothy, malodorous discharge and itching in women whereas it is asymptomatic in men. It is caused by trichomonads, such as Trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic flagellated protozoan. It is found in the vagina and urethra of women. In men, it is found in the urethra and the prostate gland. Transmission is usually by direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected individual, such as by vaginal intercourse. The presence of this protozoan in women may produce a characteristic strawberry cervix (i.e. a reddish cervix with pinpoint areas of exudation) during diagnostic examination. The appearance is caused by capillary dilation as an inflammatory response.
The first person to describe this protozoon was Alfred Francois Donné (1801–1878). He was able to observe Trichomonas vaginalis derived from vaginal or cervical secretion samples through the microscope in 1836.
Scientific classification:

  • Phylum: Metamonada
  • Class: Parabasalia
  • Order: Trichomonadida
  • Family: Trichomonadidae
  • Genus: Trichomonas
  • Species: T. vaginalis Donné 1836

See also:

  • trichomoniasis


  • You will also like...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics