Wet Mount Microscopy for Trichomonas vaginalis
Saline wet mount shows motile flagellated organisms under the microscope.
- 51-65%: Sensitivity (Placeholder reference value)
- <10 min: Read time (Placeholder reference value)
- ~20 min: Motility window (Placeholder reference value)
- Low: Cost tier (Placeholder reference value)
Microscopic identification basics
Placeholder: motile organism identified by flagella and jerky movement.
NAAT Confirmation of Trichomoniasis
Nucleic acid amplification testing confirms cases missed by microscopy.
- >95%: Sensitivity (Placeholder reference value)
- >95%: Specificity (Placeholder reference value)
- ~1-2 days: Turnaround (Placeholder reference value)
- Swab/urine: Sample type (Placeholder reference value)
Why NAAT outperforms wet mount
Placeholder: amplification detects low organism burden missed on slide.
Single-Dose Metronidazole Treatment
A single 2g oral dose disrupts parasite DNA rapidly.
- 2g PO: Standard dose (Placeholder reference value)
- ~84%: Cure rate (Placeholder reference value)
- High: Adherence (Placeholder reference value)
- Hours: Onset (Placeholder reference value)
Mechanism of single-dose therapy
Placeholder: reduced nitro group forms radicals that damage parasite DNA.
Seven-Day Metronidazole Course
A week-long lower dose course improves clearance in some cases.
- 500mg BID: Standard dose (Placeholder reference value)
- ~92%: Cure rate (Placeholder reference value)
- 7 days: Duration (Placeholder reference value)
- Moderate: Adherence (Placeholder reference value)
When the longer course is preferred
Placeholder: sustained exposure helps overcome partial resistance.
Nitroimidazole Resistance Considerations
Rising resistance markers signal need for retesting and dose changes.
- 4-10%: Resistance rate (Placeholder reference value)
- ~3 months: Retest window (Placeholder reference value)
- Tinidazole: Alt agent (Placeholder reference value)
- 2g x7d: High-dose option (Placeholder reference value)
Managing suspected treatment failure
Placeholder: escalate dose, switch agent, or confirm reinfection.
Placeholder: persistent symptoms after treatment warrant resistance testing.