Intestinal trichomoniasis
Intestinal trichomoniasis is a rare protozoan infection primarily affecting the large intestine of various mammals, including humans, although it is extremely uncommon in humans. The infection is caused by an overabundance of the parasite Pentatrichomonas hominis, which generally resides harmlessly in the intestinal tracts of mammals but can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and loss of appetite when it proliferates. Risk factors for developing this infection include contact with contaminated water or food, particularly in underdeveloped regions, and a compromised immune system. Children under five years old are also more susceptible. Diagnosis typically involves analyzing stool samples, yet there is no effective treatment available since the parasite is usually nonpathogenic. Consequently, the infection can persist for extended periods, ranging from one month to over a year. Preventive measures include maintaining strict hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing and consuming uncontaminated food and water, to mitigate the risk of infection. Understanding these aspects can help individuals take steps to protect their health and well-being.
Intestinal trichomoniasis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gastrointestinal system, intestines
Definition
Intestinal trichomoniasis is a protozoan infection of the large intestine of mammals. Although scarcely reported in the medical literature, it has been found in humans (extremely rare), monkeys, rats, dogs, cats, ducks, tree shrews, birds, and guinea pigs. Trichomoniasis also exists in the female and male reproductive systems of humans (as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases) and mouth (common in persons with deficient oral hygiene practices), albeit caused by parasites different from the parasite that causes intestinal trichomoniasis.
Causes
Human intestinal trichomoniasis is associated with an overabundance of the parasite Pentatrichomonas hominis. Intestinal trichomoniasis in animals is caused by a variety of species-dependent trichomonads (a kind of protozoa). Usually nonpathogenic, these parasites are responsible for the diarrheal havoc of intestinal trichomoniasis.
Risk Factors
P. hominis is a worldwide, naturally occurring, normally harmless parasite residing in mammalian intestinal tracts. However, because the parasites are excreted through fecal matter, intestinal trichomoniasis is more prevalent in mammals in underdeveloped parts of the world, particularly in equatorial and subtropical regions. An overabundance of this parasite may occur when the host comes in contact with fresh fecal matter and subsequently ingests it through contaminated water or food or ingests it through hand-to-mouth transmission.
Similarly, children age five years and younger are also at a higher risk for developing an infection. Persons with a compromised immune system also may be at a greater risk of parasitic proliferation.
Symptoms
Intestinal trichomoniasis disrupts normal abdominal functioning. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and subsequent loss of appetite.
Screening and Diagnosis
Freshly passed diarrheic samples are taken from the host and analyzed through stool cultures, light microscopy, and smear examinations.
Treatment and Therapy
Given that the cause of intestinal trichomoniasis is a nonpathogenic parasite, no effective treatment exists for the infection. Metronidazole, a medication used to treat genital trichomoniasis, does not cure intestinal trichomoniasis.
The infection may last from one month up to one year or more. To avoid dehydration during the infection, one should drink a sufficient amount of uncontaminated water.
Prevention and Outcomes
Stringent handwashing technique, eating uncontaminated food, and drinking uncontaminated water are the best ways to keep the normally harmless parasite from proliferating.
Bibliography
Chomicz, Lidia, et al. “Anti- Pentatrichomonas hominis Activity of Newly Synthesized Bensimidazole Derivatives: In Vitro Studies.” Acta Parasitologica 54(2009): 165-171.
Crucitti, T., et al. “Detection of Pentatrichomonas hominis DNA in Biological Specimens by PCR.” Letters in Applied Microbiology 38 (2004): 510-516.
Feldman, Mark, Lawrence S. Friedman, and Lawrence J. Brandt, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. New ed. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier, 2010.
Ortega, Ynes. “Food- and Waterborne Protozoan Parasites.” In Foodborne Pathogens: Microbiology and Molecular Biology, edited by Pina M. Fratamico, Arun K. Bhunia, and James L. Smith. Norwich, England: Caister Academic Press, 2005.
"Trichomoniasis." MedlinePlus, 4 Dec. 2022, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001331.htm. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.