Trichomonas vaginalis
  • "Trichomonas vaginalis, PAP smear.
  • Trichomonas vaginalis is perhaps the most common protozoon you will see clinically.
  • Several trophozoites are seen in this photomicrograph (arrows).
    • The trophs are 5-30 micrometers in diameter.
    • Giemsa staining would reveal 4 flagellae, which makes the organism motile in wet preps, and thus aids identification.
    • Numerous Gram-negative bacteria are also seen in the photomicrograph.
    • This is fairly typical, as T. vaginalis often coexists with other vaginal infections, such as Gardnerella.
    • Transmission is primarily via sexual contact.
    • Asymptomatic infection can occur in both males and females, so it is important to treat all sexual partners when the diagnosis is made in a symptomatic individual."
  • Ó 1999- KUMC Pathology and the University of Kansas, used with permission; courtesy of Dr. James Fishback, Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center. .