Interventions for treating trichomoniasis in women.
OBJECTIVE
Around 120 million women worldwide suffer from Trichomonas vaginalis vaginitis every year. The infection is sexually transmitted and is believed to facilitate HIV transmission. The objective of the review is to assess the effects of various treatment strategies for trichomoniasis in women.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Trials were also identified from reference lists of reviews, through pharmaceutical companies, and by informal discovery. Only published data were used in this review. Date of the most recent search: May, 1999.


METHODS
Randomized or quasi-randomized trials in women with trichomoniasis of different treatment strategies, different antitrichomonal drugs or doses were eligible.


METHODS
Trial quality was assessed and data extracted by two reviewers independently using standard criteria.


RESULTS
Fifty-two trials were included. Nitroimidazoles seem to be effective in achieving parasitological cure in the short term follow-ups. Partner treatment can be effective in decreasing longer term re-infection rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Parasitological cure can be achieved by single oral dose of nitroimidazoles. Further research should focus on developing effective partner treatment strategies to prevent re-infections and reduce trichomoniasis prevalence.
Gülmezoglu
A M
AM
Special Department of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank, World Health Organisation, Geneva 27, Switzerland, CH-1211. gulmezoglum@who.ch
Forna
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D000818:Animals; D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole