TRICHOMONIASIS

• Trichomoniasis


  Other Term: Trich
• Etiologic Agent


  Trichomonas vaginalis
• Mode of Transmission


  1. Direct sexual contact

  2. Indirect contact (towels, wash clothes, douching equipment)
• Incubation Period


  5 to 21 days
• Clinical Manifestations in Females

  • White or greenish-yellow odorous discharge
  • Vaginal itching and soreness
  • Painful urination
• Clinical Manifestations in Males

  • Slight itching of penis
  • Painful urination
  • Clear discharge from penis
• Diagnosis


  1. Microscopic slide of discharge

  2. Culture of urethral tissue, urine or semen
• OSOM Trichomonas Rapid Test


  Identifies infection within 10 to 45 minutes, but it is less sensitive and specific than culture
• Treatment


  Metronidazole (Flagyl) - treatment of choice<|>Tinidazole (Tindamax)
• Complication


  • Cervical cancer
• Nursing Considerations


  1. Follow standard precautions

  2. Assist with obtaining appropriate specimen for culture or testing

  3. Tell the patient to avoid ingesting alcohol while taking metronidazole (and for 48 hours after completing the prescription), as the combination may cause severe nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, and flushing