Treatment of infections caused by metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis.
Infections with the sexually transmitted protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis are usually treated with metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole drug derived from the antibiotic azomycin. Metronidazole treatment is generally efficient in eliminating T. vaginalis infection and has a low risk of serious side effects. However, studies have shown that at least 5% of clinical cases of trichomoniasis are caused by parasites resistant to the drug. The lack of approved alternative therapies for T. vaginalis treatment means that higher and sometimes toxic doses of metronidazole are the only option for patients with resistant disease. Clearly, studies of the treatment and prevention of refractory trichomoniasis are essential. This review describes the mechanisms of metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis and provides a summary of trichomonicidal and vaccine candidate drugs.
Division of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Mediine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sarah L
SL
Cudmore
Kiera L
KL
Delgaty
Shannon F
SF
Hayward-McClelland
Dino P
DP
Petrin
Gary E
GE
Garber
D000818:Animals; D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects
D000994:Antitrichomonal Agents; D008795:Metronidazole