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Trichomonas vaginalis~Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted parasitic infection that causes an offensive vaginal discharge, associated with vulvar itching, burning, redness and swelling. Polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR) is specific for trichomonas and will outperform culture. It is pathogenic to the genitourinary tract. In women, it lives only in the vagina and the urethra, causing urethritis and vaginitis. In men it can also cause urethritis. About 50% of women are asymptomatic carriers and the other 50% complain of symptoms. Untreated it may progress to a urethritis or cystitis. In pregnancy, the infection can be passed from a mother to a newborn daughter. In men, the infection can progress to prostatitis.

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