Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Using Parasitological Methods in Tehran

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan with a predilection for humanurogenital tract and causative agent for vaginitis, cervicitis and urethritis in females. t. vaginalis isknown as a cofactor in transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and may lead to adverseoutcomes in pregnant women. the goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of t. vaginalisinfection in females attending mirzakuchak khan hospital, tehran, iran.methods: during may 2008 to march 2009, 500 vaginal discharges samples were obtained fromwomen attending sexual transmitted disease (std) clinic of mirzakuchak khan hospital in tehran,iran. the samples were examined by dorsse culture medium and wet-mount methods. theprevalence of t. vaginalis was determined using culture based method and wet-mountexaminations.results: sixteen positive (3.2%) and 484 negative (96.8%) samples for t. vaginalis were detectedby culture based methods. the wet mount examination revealed 13 positive (2.6%) and 487negative (97.4%) samples. in the above population, prevalence of trichomoniasis was estimated as3.2% based on culturing method.conclusion: due to adverse outcomes of vaginal trichomoniasis and its correlation with hivtransmission, there is a great need for public education regarding implementation of personalhygienic measures and prevention of inappropriate sexual contacts.