Trichomonas. An insidious parasitic infection sweeping the population

Oral trichomonas (trichomonas tenax) is one of the most common, but also the least dangerous among the three types of trichomoniasis. However, despite the relative danger, trichomonas in the mouth cause a lot of trouble, can be transmitted through household means, and cause diseases of internal organs.

They are simple microorganisms that do not have dense shells to protect them from negative influences. environment. The shape of the microbacterium is pear-shaped, with several flagella-legs, with the help of which Trichomonas moves through the mucosa. The size of an adult individual can reach 40 microns.

The oral variety of bacteria is the least studied by microbiologists, however, the knowledge gained is quite enough to correctly diagnose the disease and carry out competent treatment.

Trichomonas

Oral Trichomonas often diagnosed during the treatment of dental diseases or if available characteristic symptoms. Often the microorganism lives in gum pockets, tonsils, throat mucosa, sputum, and the inner surface of the cheeks.

The danger of microbacteria is that it causes many dental diseases: periodontal disease, gingivitis, caries, ulcers and mucosal erosions, and is also able to penetrate the lungs and liver.

The entire life cycle of a bacterium occurs in the human body, however, when placed in a humid and warm environment, Trichomonas retains its vital activity throughout the day. A dry and hot environment becomes detrimental to bacteria. In the absence of moisture and temperatures above 55 degrees, Trichomonas die instantly.

This bacterial disease like trichomoniasis oral cavity has no special characteristics and no clear description. Often, at an early stage, oral Trichomonas symptoms are mild. The most typical ones are:

Periodontal abscess

The patient may be bothered bad smell from the mouth, due to the presence of bacterial purulent pockets. Periodontal abscess provokes painful sensations When eating and brushing your teeth, there may be a slight increase in body temperature, swelling of the gums, and loosening of the teeth.

Complication this process may result in tooth loss, spread of infection through the bloodstream, and the development of phlegmon - purulent inflammation of fatty tissue.

White coating of mucous membrane

Below, one of the symptoms of oral Trichomonas is shown in the photo.

Oral trichomoniasis

White, loose plaque on the surface of the tongue, gums and cheeks becomes an ideal environment for the development of pathogenic, bacterial microorganisms. Characteristic affects the healthy microflora of the mucous membrane, accompanied by unpleasant smell from the mouth, and changes the color of the gums and tongue.

The danger of the symptom is that bacteria that actively multiply in plaque easily penetrate into the body along with food and water, settling on the tonsils and internal organs.

Erosion of mucous membranes

Ulcerative-erosive processes can be observed on the tongue, the inner surface of the cheeks and gums. The pathology is manifested by redness of certain areas of the mucous membrane, the formation of purulent blisters and ulcers covered with plaque. Complications of this disease can include dental diseases, the development of a local abscess, and infection of internal organs.

All these symptoms may indicate other dental diseases, so only laboratory tests and tests can confirm the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. For determining final diagnosis the following procedures are carried out:

  1. Microscopy of a smear from the gums is one of the most reliable tests that will show the presence of a bacterial environment. The smear must be taken in the morning, before hygiene procedures.
  2. Laboratory examination of the contents of erosion and caries for the presence of the Trichomonas bacterium.
  3. A smear from the tonsils on the flora to detect colonies of bacteria that can cause serious diseases.

As a rule, these results will be sufficient to determine the presence of oral trichomoniasis in a patient and prescribe adequate treatment. Oral trichomoniasis must be treated without fail, even if the symptoms do not bother you and do not disrupt the smooth course of life.

Effective therapy for oral trichomoniasis

Trichopolum

Even in the absence of any signs of infection, it is necessary as soon as possible, since the person is a carrier of the Trichomonas bacterium, and becomes a source of infection for healthy people . To treat trichomoniasis, certain antibacterial drugs of the nitroimidazoles group are used.

This group of medications has high activity against protozoal and anaerobic bacteria.

The mechanism of action of the drugs is that the active ingredients inhibit the vital activity of bacteria, disrupt their DNA and suppress tissue respiration.

Metronidazole

To destroy Trichomonas, Metronidazole (Trichopol, Klion, Medazol) is used. The drug successfully copes with the chronic and acute course of the disease, and is used for relapse and latent carriage of Trichomonas.

There are several treatment regimens with Metronidazole, and some of the effective ones are:

  1. The course of treatment is 10-12 days, taking medication (250 mg) 2 times a day.
  2. Course 5 days: take the drug 2 tablets every 6 hours.
  3. The course of treatment is 6 days: 1 day, 2 tablets morning and evening. Day 2: 1 tablet 3 times a day, strictly every 6 hours. For the next 4 days, Metronidazole is taken in the morning and evening, one dose of 250 mg.

Reception may provoke side effects which are typical for this type of antibiotics: nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, headaches, itchy skin, painful urination. The drug is prohibited for use by patients suffering from epilepsy, with brain tumors, liver disease and pregnant women.

It is worth noting that about 5% of patients with trichomoniasis report insensitivity to the drug. This means that this category can develop a chronic form of trichomoniasis due to the lack of proper treatment.

Tinidazole

If treatment with Metronidazole does not give the desired result, additional research is being conducted to determine the most suitable drug. These can be Secnidazole, Fazizhin, Tinidazole, Ternidazole.

Rinse for oral trichomoniasis

If the patient has been diagnosed with oral trichomonas, treatment necessarily includes rinsing the mouth and throat. Rinsing with various solutions has a local anesthetic, antiseptic and antibacterial effect. Rinse solutions are part of complex therapy, accelerating the healing process.


Concerning traditional medicine, then local drugs are used here. You can rinse with tincture of marsh calamus, sunflower oil or wormwood decoction, wipe the mouth with sea buckthorn oil and honey, and chew cranberries.

The infectious disease trichomonas tenax (oral) can occur not only in adults, but also in children. As a rule, the infection does not cause much trouble, but it can become a source of infection for healthy people.

Methods of infection are through contact and household contact, so patients at the treatment stage must carefully perform oral hygiene, do not use other people’s toothbrushes, and use individual cutlery and towels.

These preventive measures also apply to healthy people who may be at risk of contracting trichomoniasis.

In contact with

Trichomoniasis is very common infection caused by protozoan microorganisms. In the world, 10% of the population is infected, in developing countries - almost 40%. The danger of a disease is determined by both the prevalence and dangerous consequences in the form of infertility, pregnancy pathology, cancer.

Urogenital trichomoniasis ranks first among sexually transmitted diseases of the genitourinary system. The main targets of infection are the urethra, vagina, and prostate.

The causes of the spread of the disease: unprotected sexual intercourse and poor hygiene.

Signs and symptoms of the disease

It is necessary to know how many days later the disease manifests itself and what are the signs of Trichomonas entering the body in order to take timely measures.

Damage to the genitourinary system

On average, after ten days, foamy discharge from the urethra or vagina appears in various shades of yellow, often with the smell of rotten fish, sometimes streaked with blood.

In men, the symptoms of trichomoniasis are minor. In only 50% of cases, Trichomonas cause urethritis with the following manifestations:

  • mucous or purulent foamy discharge from the urethra;
  • burning in the area urethra after sexual intercourse, during urination;
  • pain in the perineum, lower abdomen and lumbar region during bowel movements.
  • cloudy urine, occasionally streaked with blood.

All these symptoms of trichomoniasis intensify when consuming spicy foods and strong alcohol.

What organs are affected by these protozoa in women? This is the vagina, cervix, urethra. Symptoms of Trichomonas infection are more pronounced, especially before menstruation. The following signs are observed:

  • abundant characteristic discharge from the genital tract in 80% of sick women;
  • pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse, in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back;
  • burning, itching in the area of ​​the external genitalia, inner thighs;
  • irritability, sleep disturbances.

If the infection spreads to the urethra, there is a burning sensation, pain during urination, and frequent urge to urinate.

Trichomoniasis symptoms that persist for more than two months indicate transition infectious process into a chronic form. In this case, periods with minimal symptoms are replaced by exacerbations. Relapses are triggered by stress, overload, hypothermia, hormonal changes, and active sex life.

The infection causes a number of complications: infertility, endometritis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis. Trichomonas in the genital tract can lead to cancer prostate gland in men and cervical cancer in women.

Decreased immunity due to illness contributes to the development of allergies, diabetes, and mastopathy. Trichomonas increases the risk of transmission of other infections and diseases of the genitourinary system and contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Oral lesions

Other types of these protozoa affect the intestines and oral cavity. Intestinal and oral Trichomonas are saprophytes and do not affect the genitourinary system. Trichomonas in the intestines under unfavorable conditions cause colitis, cholecystitis with the formation of ulcers; in the oral cavity - periodontal disease, caries, tonsillitis, gingivitis.

Trichomonas lives in the mouth in plaque and gum pockets. Oral Trichomonas is isolated from osteomyelitis of the facial bones, sinusitis, tonsillitis. Sometimes oral Trichomonas is isolated from sputum and tissues of cancer of the lungs, trachea, and larynx.

Trichomoniasis in the mouth has the following symptoms:

  • white coating on the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth;
  • pus in the gum pockets;
  • bad breath;
  • erosions and ulcers in the oral cavity.

All these symptoms are not specific, so laboratory diagnosis is necessary. To exclude the possibility of developing an oral form of infection, regular examination by a dentist and periodontist should be performed.

Diagnosis of trichomoniasis is hampered by a nonspecific clinical picture and low sensitivity of diagnostic methods. The insidiousness of these protozoa is that they can masquerade as blood or epithelial cells, which complicates the determination of pathology.

History taking and examination

To diagnose a disease, interviewing the patient and carefully examining him is of great importance.

During a gynecological examination, the following changes are observed:

  • traces of scratching on the inner thighs;
  • hyperemia and swelling of the external genitalia;
  • foamy, pus-like leucorrhoea and ulcers on the walls of the vagina;
  • the cervix is ​​loose with pinpoint hemorrhages;
  • cervical dysplasia.

When examined in men, redness and swelling of the glans penis and perineal area can be detected.

Laboratory diagnostics

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are required. To isolate the pathogen, smears are taken from the vagina, cervical canal, urethra, prostate secretion, sperm. Microscopic examination is 60% reliable; it is also necessary to take into account that Trichomonas die outside the body 30 minutes after taking a smear.

A more sensitive method of laboratory analysis is bacterial culture, which is reliable in 80% of cases. At chronic form and carrier culture, culture on a nutrient medium helps determine sensitivity to drugs. It is especially indicated if therapy is carried out, but the clinical picture persists. The test result can be obtained in two weeks, but the doctor will know which treatment is more effective.

Serological methods, in particular PCR, are effective for diagnosing chronic forms of the disease. The PCR method can accurately establish the diagnosis and there is no need to search for other evidence of infection.

Trichomonas can be found in any biological materials– blood, saliva, scrapings. In men, urethral discharge is more common; in women, vaginal discharge is more common. Everyone has the first portion of urine. The PCR method can also confirm recovery.

Helps establish a diagnosis general tests blood and urine. There will be an inflammatory shift in the formula and an increase in ESR in the blood, and leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine.

Both partners should be treated at the same time. Specific, including local therapy, and immunostimulants are prescribed. There must be laboratory monitoring during treatment. If the pathogen is not detected for several months, we can talk about recovery.

To prevent infection, it is important to take care of your health and regularly visit a gynecologist, urologist, or dentist.

Oral Trichomonas is the most common of the three types of trichomoniasis and the least dangerous. Nevertheless, it must be diagnosed and treated in time to avoid the unpleasant consequences of the disease. In our article you will learn the symptoms of oral Trichomonas and treatment options.

Oral Trichomonas

Three types of Trichomonas can live in the human body: vaginal, intestinal and oral. The latter species is the least studied and the least dangerous to human health. However, research shows that oral Trichomonas is most often found in humans. Most of us are unaware of this disease, because it is often asymptomatic. Even scientists do not always agree on what the signs of oral Trichomonas are and how to diagnose it.

The fact is that Trichomonas is a single-celled organism that can move with the help of flagella. And this organism is very insidious, since it is capable, under the influence of unfavorable factors for it (change of diet, intake medicines etc.) change its shape to one that is difficult to recognize. So it becomes difficult to distinguish from the cells of the human body, and specialists are not able to diagnose it. In the same way, it eludes the body’s immune system, masquerading as blood or epithelial cells.

Oral Trichomonas can live not only in the human oral cavity, but also in the tonsils, sputum, gum pockets, the circulatory system and the conjunctiva of the eyes.

It can contribute to the development of caries, lung and liver diseases, and periodontitis. Symptoms of oral Trichomonas may be absent or appear to a minor extent. These include:

  • white plaque in the mouth,
  • purulent discharge from gum pockets,
  • bad breath,
  • erosion of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

However, these symptoms may also indicate other diseases, so the presence of oral Trichomonas can only be determined through tests. Laboratory research erosions, smears from the oral cavity, purulent discharge make it possible to establish the presence of Trichomonas in the human body. In this case, mandatory treatment will be required, even if this problem does not bother you. Lack of timely treatment can lead to complications: trichomoniasis leads to decreased immunity and an increased risk of infectious and other diseases.

Treatment of oral Trichomonas is usually carried out with the help of Metronidazole or other analogue drugs (Flagyl, Trichopolum, Fazizhin). They are widely used in the treatment of all types of trichomoniasis in men and women. The dosage and timing of treatment are usually determined by the attending physician, based on test results. In addition, various solutions for rinsing the mouth (potassium permanganate solution or hydrogen peroxide solution) can be used. After the course of treatment, it is necessary to take appropriate tests within two - three months. If during this time oral Trichomonas is not detected, then we can talk about recovery.

It is also necessary to carefully monitor oral hygiene, because you can become infected with trichomoniasis through contact and household contact. Never use other people's hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, and eat food only from clean dishes. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and examine your mouth, mucous membranes and throat. If you have the slightest doubt or the first signs of Trichomonas, consult your doctor. In addition, do not forget to visit the dentist, as oral Trichomonas has a detrimental effect on the condition of teeth and gums.

A genus of protozoa of the order Trichomonadida, family Trichomonadidae, whose representatives are characterized by the presence of four free flagella and a short undulating membrane.

The pathogenicity of intestinal Trichomonas for humans has not been absolutely reliably confirmed. However, according to some researchers, intestinal Trichomonas creates many problems associated with intestinal activity for humans, including colitis, enterocolitis, and cholecystitis. In addition, the result of the activity of intestinal Trichomonas can be swelling, erosion, polyps, ulcers, pale skin, anemia, and muscle weakness.

Trichomonas elongata

Oral Trichomonas is still relatively little studied, despite the fact that it is very common. Its habitats are the oral cavity, respiratory tract, tonsils, and gums. The pathogenicity of oral Trichomonas is also questionable. However, there is an opinion that excessive proliferation of oral Trichomonas can lead to ENT diseases, as well as damage to the liver and other organs. The consequences of the life activity of oral Trichomonas sometimes also include the well-known caries and periodontal disease.

Trichomonas genitourinary or vaginal (Trichomonas vaginalis)

Trichomonas vaginalis was first discovered by the French scientist Donnet in 1836. Moreover, for quite a long time it was not considered dangerous. It was generally accepted that in human body Trichomonas plays the role of a kind of “orderly”, eating bacteria and fragments of destroyed cells. The pathogenic properties of Trichomonas were proven only in 1916.

Trichomonas vaginalis lives in the genitourinary tract of men and women, and in women it is found much more often. Although it cannot be said that a man with trichomoniasis is an exception to the rule. The fact is that in men Trichomonas does not cause such obvious symptoms of inflammation as in women. However, there is an opinion that from 5 to 10% of all cases of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men are of Trichomonas origin.

Trichomonas - features

The features of the causative agent of trichomoniasis include the following:

The main mechanism of transmission of Trichomonas is sexual intercourse. The source of infection is a sick person or a Trichomonas carrier. Women are more susceptible to this disease. Incubation period(the period from infection to the development of the first symptoms) is on average 10 days (from 2 days to 2 months). Theoretically, infection is caused by contact by everyday means(towels, underwear) is possible, but unlikely due to the low survival rate of Trichomonas outside the body (in a dry environment).

Oral trichomonas (trichomonas tenax) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan microorganisms Trichomonas. Infection occurs through household contact. The presence of microbes is detected in the oral cavity, in the conjunctiva of the eyes, in the lungs, and in the blood. Often oral Trichomonas shows no signs of presence, making it difficult to diagnose. It is less common than vaginal, but you should be aware of the symptoms in order to promptly identify and treat the disease.

All about the insidious bacteria

The causative agent of the infection is Trichomonas - the simplest flagellated microorganisms.

The bacterium multiplies in warm, moist conditions. A dry, hot environment is detrimental to it. Dies at temperatures above 55 degrees. Difficult to diagnose because it can masquerade as human cells. The immune system does not recognize it, Trichomonas spreads throughout the body, causing inflammatory diseases.

By multiplying, the microorganism penetrates the stomach and intestines, causing cholecystitis and colitis.

Damage to the oral cavity manifests itself in caries, periodontal disease, tonsillitis, and gingivitis. The appearance of white plaque in the almond sinuses and gum pockets indicates infection with Trichomonas.

Once in the body, Trichomonas is veiled under human cells. Once it begins to absorb red blood cells, it causes anemia.

What does it mean that there is an infection?

Trichomoniasis in the mouth usually does not have a clear clinical picture infection. The presence of plaque and purulent discharge from the gum pockets suggests the presence of oral Trichomonas. Such symptoms are characteristic of other diseases: periodontal disease, lichen planus. Only laboratory analysis can confirm the presence of trichomoniasis. Under favorable conditions, bacteria multiply quickly. They affect the mucous membrane, causing inflammation and ulcers.

The presence of the following symptoms is a reason to suspect oral trichomoniasis:

  • White coating on the tongue.
  • Purulent discharge from the gums.
  • Ulcers in the mouth.
  • Bad breath.

For diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:

  • Blood and urine analysis.
  • Saliva swab.

Infection with Trichomonas occurs through household means:

  • Eating unwashed food.
  • Using dirty dishes.
  • Kiss.
  • Using dirty toothbrushes.
  • Placing dirty toys in children's mouths.

The development of the disease is provoked by weakened immunity after taking antibiotics and colds.

Don't delay going to the doctor! This can cause serious complications!

If suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, as the development of infection can lead to damage to other organs. The disease can become protracted. Timely diagnosis with proper treatment will help completely get rid of bacteria.

be careful

Among women: pain and inflammation of the ovaries. Fibroma, myoma, fibrocystic mastopathy, inflammation of the adrenal glands develop, Bladder and kidneys.

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Important aspects of therapy

Treatment of oral trichomoniasis is based on the use of antibacterial antitrichomonas drugs of the nitromidazoles group. Medicines should be taken even in the absence of obvious signs of illness. The most commonly prescribed medication is metronidazole.

There are several types of drug treatment:

  • Take the medicine for 14 days, twice a day, 0.25 mg.
  • Five-day course: taking the medicine one tablet every 6 hours.
  • Six-day course: first day, two tablets twice a day, second day, one tablet three times a day. Next, take one tablet twice: morning and evening.

For chronic forms of the disease, such treatment may not be suitable. The doctor prescribes another drug: Tinidazole, Fazizhin, Ternidazole, Secnidazole.

Use a weak solution of potassium permanganate to rinse your mouth and throat three times a day. After the procedure, it is not recommended to eat or drink for one hour. To disinfect the oral cavity after eating and before going to bed, rinse with a solution of hydrogen peroxide.

During treatment, baked goods, confectionery products, raw vegetables and fruits should be excluded from food. When cooking, meat and fish should be subjected to good heat treatment.

Taking Metronidazole may cause adverse reactions:

  • Metallic taste in mouth.
  • Nausea.
  • Headache.
  • Skin rashes.

Taking the medicine is incompatible with alcohol. After completing the course, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited for two days. Exist traditional methods fight against oral trichomonas. But in each case you should consult your doctor. Such a method as treatment alcohol tincture walnut partitions, is incompatible with taking antibiotics.

A glass of crushed walnut partitions is poured with one glass of vodka. Keep for 24 hours. Take on an empty stomach. The dose starts with 5 drops, increasing it little by little every day.

The next method is very simple: hold a tablespoon of sunflower oil in your mouth, as if sucking, until it becomes similar in consistency to water. After this, rinse your mouth and throat with boiled water or wormwood decoction.

During treatment, you should follow a diet and eat right for a speedy recovery!

good antimicrobial agent Cranberry is considered - you just need to chew it in your mouth.

How to avoid infection?

Proper oral hygiene is the main rule in the prevention of Trichomonas infection.

  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
  • After coming home from the street, wash your hands with soap.
  • Dry yourself only with a personal towel.

Periodically examine the oral cavity, and if you find any suspicious signs, immediately consult a doctor. Take care of your teeth, carious teeth are a source of bacteria, just as Trichomonas can be the cause of caries.