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Trichomonas vaginalis: Lifestyle, Cellular Biology, and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

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Lifecycles of Pathogenic Protists in Humans

Part of the book series: Microbiology Monographs ((MICROMONO,volume 35))

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular, flagellated, microaerophilic protozoan that colonizes the human urogenital tract extracellularly. It causes trichomoniasis, a highly prevalent sexually-transmitted infection (STI). In this chapter, we will give a brief description of disease outcomes of T. vaginalis infection, and then discuss the current understanding of the parasite biology and pathogenic mechanisms. Of note, T. vaginalis pathobiology occurs in the presence of the vaginal microbiota, and often with at least one of several parasite symbionts, which we will also discuss to give a more holistic picture. Throughout, we will highlight both noteworthy historical, as well as exciting recent research that has shaped our understanding of T. vaginalis, and point out where technological advances have enabled a deeper understanding of the parasite. We close with a discussion of treatment strategies that T. vaginalis research has informed, and future perspectives for research avenues that will both aid in improved management of trichomoniasis, and develop a more complete understanding of the life of this fascinating organism.

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Correspondence to Frances K. Mercer .

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Riestra, A.M., de Miguel, N., Dessi, D., Simoes-Barbosa, A., Mercer, F.K. (2022). Trichomonas vaginalis: Lifestyle, Cellular Biology, and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis. In: de Souza, W. (eds) Lifecycles of Pathogenic Protists in Humans. Microbiology Monographs, vol 35. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80682-8_12

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