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Cytoadherence and pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis
Adegbaju, A. and Morenikeji, O. A.*
Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of
Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
jumokemorenikeji@yahoo.co.uk or
jumoke.morenikeji@mail.ui.edu.ng. Tel: +234
8055275915.
Accepted
21 March, 2008 |
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Trichomonas vaginalis,
a flagellate protozoan parasite is responsible for
trichomoniasis, the number one non-virally sexually
transmitted disease. Although both men and women are
infected, it causes disease almost exclusively in women.
There are up to 250 to 350 million new cases of
trichomonad vaginitis annually worldwide. T.
vaginalis has the ability to attach to host cells (cytoadherence)
thereby establishing infection as the organism overcomes the
constant secretion of the vagina. Two classes of proteins
are involved in cytoadherence of T. vaginalis, these
are the four adhesion proteins AP65, AP51, AP33 and AP23 and
Cysteine proteinase. Although, the exact mechanism of its
pathogenesis has not been clearly elucidated, many
mechanisms are thought to be involved. These include
cell-to-cell adhesion, hemolysis, cell detaching factors,
excretion of soluble factors and evasion of the host immune
system. Trichomoniasis is strongly associated with several
complications in pregnancy and with an increase in the
transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.
Key
words:
Trichomonas vaginalis, cytoadherence, pathogenesis. |
