Trichomoniasis

Epidemiology

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the one of the most common treatable STDs in American women. It is estimated that three million cases occur annually in the United States. In women, infection with T. vaginalis has been suggested to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature rupture of membranes and pre-term labor, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased risk for HIV infection.

Prevalence Rates

• Approximately 3% prevalence in the general female population.
• 1.3% in non-Hispanic white women
• 1.8% in Mexican American women
• 13.3% in non-Hispanic black women
• Prevalence increases with age among non-Hispanic black women
• 50%-60% prevalence in female prison inmates and commercial sex workers.
• 18%-50% prevalence in females with vaginal complaints.
• 85% of women are asymptomatic.
• Not routinely tested in men. A 17% prevalence rate was seen in males attending an STD clinic in one city.

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Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with trichomoniasis include:

• Multiple sex partners
• Low socioeconomic status
• History of STDs
• Lack of condom use

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