Aberrant and accidental trichomonad flagellate infections: rare or underdiagnosed?

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Feb 1;112(2):64-72. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/try027.

Abstract

The clinical significance and frequency of human infections with trichomonad flagellates in aberrant locations (locations other than the predilection sites) and accidental infections (infections with non-human trichomonads) are unclear. The total number of case reports in the literature is low, with the identification of the infection largely the outcome of investigations for the cause of clinical signs. At least seven species have been identified in either aberrant or accidental infections, with these infections occurring worldwide. Results of prospective and retrospective surveys of adults with respiratory disease suggest that aberrant and accidental trichomonad infections are less rare than the number of case reports suggest, with Trichomonas tenax being the most frequent. Surveys of neonates and infants suggest that aberrant Trichomonas vaginalis infections can be higher and more serious than suggested by the few case reports. The density and location of infection might be as important, if not more so, than species in determining pathogenicity. Molecular diagnostic methods including DNA sequencing can be used to better diagnose infections and enable identification to assist in determining the clinical significance of different species. Raising awareness of these infections among clinicians and adding them to their differential lists are strongly suggested.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
  • Parasitology / methods
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rare Diseases / epidemiology
  • Rare Diseases / parasitology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / parasitology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trichomonas Infections / diagnosis*
  • Trichomonas Infections / epidemiology
  • Young Adult