Master Trichomonas vaginalis with Picmonic for Medicine

Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic flagellated protozoa, which is a unicellular eukaryotic organism.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain. It can also result in vulvar itching and redness.

Trichomonas vaginalis typically causes vaginal pruritus due to inflammation of the vaginal wall. This pruritus may extend to the vulva as well.

Trichomonas vaginalis is associated with a characteristic greenish colored discharge that is foul smelling.

Some women with infection will have a strawberry cervix, which is an erythematous cervix with punctate areas of exudation caused by capillary dilation from inflammation.

Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed via wet mount prep, which demonstrates a characteristic “corkscrew” motility. NAAT testing can also be used. Additionally, vaginal ph will often be >4.5

The treatment for Trichomonas vaginalis is metronidazole, which alters oxidative patterns in the organism.