Counteraction during movement of spermatozoa by Trichomonas vaginalis observed by visual image analysis: a possible cause of female infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To use new medical imaging technology to predict the motility pattern of Trichomonas vaginalis within the vagina.


METHODS
Use of IPAN Tracker IP97, a noniterative, competitive linking algorithm.


METHODS
University laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Visualization of movement pattern of protozoon within the vagina.


RESULTS
The motility pattern of T vaginalis within the vagina is a vertical zigzag configuration that results in a circular whirling. During movement of spermatozoa, its counteraction by T vaginalis could be visualized.


CONCLUSIONS
T vaginalis has flagella and is mobile within the vagina; its whirling movement can disrupt normal sperm movement and potentially result in difficulty in fertilization.
Wiwanitkit
Viroj
V
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. wviroj@yahoo.com
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000472:pathogenicity*