About this Research Topic
Trichomoniasis remains a health concern due to its consequences during pregnancy and its determinant role in the acquisition of other STIs and the development of prostate or cervical cancer. Although trichomoniasis is listed as a Neglected Parasitic Infection by the CDC, recent molecular and biological advances are providing much information about this protozoan. This topic aims to compile the most recent studies on Trichomonas vaginalis in relation to its epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Epidemiology: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in its latest 2016 report a global incidence of 156 million cases of trichomoniasis; more than chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhoea. However, the true parasitic burden in the population is unknown. On the other hand, recent molecular tools have identified a two-type population with interesting correlations with biological features, however, more studies are needed.
Diagnosis: The classical diagnosis methods based on microscopic identification of the parasite in vaginal swabs, or its culture are associated with a low sensitivity. Immunological and molecular strategies that include samples from men, multiple STI pathogens, or based on Point-of-Care techniques are becoming an excellent tool to combat this STI.
Treatment: The only drugs approved for trichomoniasis treatment are 5-nitroimidazoles. However, there are limited alternatives for those patients with hypersensitivity or side effects. Likewise, treatment of T. vaginalis harboring endobionts may result in the release of these pathogens with inflammatory sequelae. In addition, data on clinical resistance are also scarce.
The Current Research Topic welcomes a wide range of articles on the areas described above. We will accept all article types permissible in Frontiers in Parasitology submission guidelines. These topics include, but are not limited to:
1. Epidemiological studies, resistant data.
2. Population distribution of T. vaginalis isolates and correlation with biological features (endobionts, pathogenesis, or metronidazole resistance).
3. New diagnostic tools.
4. Trichomonacidal drugs and resistance.
Epidemiology: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in its latest 2016 report a global incidence of 156 million cases of trichomoniasis; more than chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhoea. However, the true parasitic burden in the population is unknown. On the other hand, recent molecular tools have identified a two-type population with interesting correlations with biological features, however, more studies are needed.
Diagnosis: The classical diagnosis methods based on microscopic identification of the parasite in vaginal swabs, or its culture are associated with a low sensitivity. Immunological and molecular strategies that include samples from men, multiple STI pathogens, or based on Point-of-Care techniques are becoming an excellent tool to combat this STI.
Treatment: The only drugs approved for trichomoniasis treatment are 5-nitroimidazoles. However, there are limited alternatives for those patients with hypersensitivity or side effects. Likewise, treatment of T. vaginalis harboring endobionts may result in the release of these pathogens with inflammatory sequelae. In addition, data on clinical resistance are also scarce.
The Current Research Topic welcomes a wide range of articles on the areas described above. We will accept all article types permissible in Frontiers in Parasitology submission guidelines. These topics include, but are not limited to:
1. Epidemiological studies, resistant data.
2. Population distribution of T. vaginalis isolates and correlation with biological features (endobionts, pathogenesis, or metronidazole resistance).
3. New diagnostic tools.
4. Trichomonacidal drugs and resistance.
Keywords: Trichomonas vaginalis, Trichomoniasis, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Drug Resistance, Molecular Endobionts
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
