Trichomoniasis: A Neglected STI with Complications

Trichomoniasis has been found in every continent and climate without showing any significant seasonal variability. According to the CDC, trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most prevalent nonviral STI worldwide, affecting approximately 2.6 million persons in the United States. Conditions shown to be associated with T vaginalis infection include: Increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, increased prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections, adverse outcomes of pregnancy (eg, preterm delivery, preterm prelabor ROM), pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Nonetheless, despite this potential morbidity, T. Vaginalis remains a non-reportable communicable illness. Why is that? In this episode we will summarize the data and look into the CDC's rationale for that decision.