DNA Clearance of Uncomplicated Trichomonas Vaginalis Infections in HIV Negative Women

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, is
associated with inflammation of the vagina, cervix, and urethra; low birth weight; preterm
delivery; pelvic inflammatory disease; and may increase the risk of acquiring and
transmitting genital herpes and HIV. Repeat infections are common, ranging from 5% - 31%,
and have similar health outcomes as primary infections. Given the high prevalence of TV, the
absence of a national screening program, the deleterious reproductive outcomes associated
with TV and the potential for a TV infection to increase HIV transmission, reducing repeat
TV infections is an important targeted public health approach. However, rescreening for TV
should not happen until there is sufficient time for the parasites and DNA to clear from the
vaginal cavity after treatment. HIV negative women who attend Delgado Personal Health Center
will be asked to enroll in the screening component in order to test them for TV using
InPouch culture along with the standard TV screening of wet preparation. The objective of
this study is to screen treated TV positive women weekly using culture and Polymerase Chain
Reaction to determine how long TV DNA is detectable post treatment and to examine potential
confounders to clearance such as bacterial vaginosis. The outcome of interest will be a
negative PCR result indicating that TV DNA has cleared.

Inclusion Criteria:

- English speaking females

- >18 years old

- HIV-negative

- a patient at the Delgado Personal Health Center

Exclusion Criteria:

- HIV+ women