(trĭk‵ō'mō'năs )

[‵ + monas, unit]

A genus of flagellate parasitic protozoa.

T. hominis A benign trichomonad found in the large intestine.

T. tenax A benign trichomonad that may be present in the mouth.

T. vaginalis A species found in the vagina that produces discharge. T. vaginalis is fairly common in women, esp. during pregnancy or following vaginal surgery. It is sometimes found in the male urethra and may be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

SEE: illus. ; colpitis macularis .

T. vaginalis causes persistent burning, redness, and itching of the vulvar tissue associated with a profuse vaginal discharge that may be frothy or malodorous or both. Occasionally, infection with T. vaginalis is asymptomatic.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken orally by the woman and her sexual partner. The drug is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy because of potential damage to the developing fetus; clotrimazole vaginal suppositories provide symptomatic relief during the first 12 weeks of gestation.

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Alcohol should not be consumed during metronidazole therapy.

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