Chemotherapeutic options for the treatment of human trichomoniasis

Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2019 Feb;53(2):116-127. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.10.016. Epub 2018 Oct 27.

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The infection may be associated with severe complications, including infertility, preterm labour, cancer and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Treatment remains almost exclusively based on 5-nitroimidazoles, but resistance is on the rise. This article provides an overview of clinically evaluated systemic and topical treatment options for human trichomoniasis and summarises the current state of knowledge on various herbal, semisynthetic and synthetic compounds evaluated for their anti-Trichomonas efficacy in vitro.

Keywords: Drugs; Metronidazole resistance; STD; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomoniasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iridaceae / chemistry
  • Lamiaceae / chemistry
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use
  • Nifuratel / therapeutic use
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / parasitology
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / drug therapy*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / drug effects*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / genetics*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Metronidazole
  • Nifuratel