TRICHOMONIASIS
| Causative organism | Trichomonas vaginalis |
| Incubation period | 5-28 days |
| How far trace back | There is insufficient data to provide a definitive period, but current contact tracing and concurrent treatment is recommended to prevent reinfection. |
| Usual testing method | Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive tests available to detect Trichomonas vaginalis. Wet preparation microscopy and culture are less sensitive |
| Common symptoms | 10–50% of people with a vagina and most people with a penis are asymptomatic. Symptoms in people with a vagina: vaginal itch, vaginal discharge typically profuse malodorous (fishy odouor) and frothy, and cervicitis Symptoms in people with a penis: are uncommon, buturethral discharge and dysuria occasionally occur |
| Likelihood of transmission per act of unprotected intercourse |
Unknown, likely moderate to high Perinatal transmission 5% |
| Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected | Up to 70% of partners with a penis of infected people with a vagina and 60-100% of partners with a vagina of infected partners with a penis |
| Protective effect of condoms | High |
| Transmission by oral sex | Extragenital infections (oral, anal) are uncommon |
| Duration of potential infectivity | Trichomonas vaginalis in people with a vagina is thought to be longstanding, up to 3-5 years, whereas infection among people with a penis may spontaneously resolve lasting up to 4 months. |
| Important sequelae | Preterm delivery and low birth weight; Increased transmission of HIV |
| Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts | Cure |
| Usual management of contacts | Counselling, clinical examination and testing. Treat sexual partners presumptively |
| Contact tracing priority | Medium. |
| Notification | Not notifiable in Australia or New Zealand |
Page last updated April 2021