Molecular Epidemiologic Study of Male Trichomoniasis in Ham-adan, Western Iran

Manizheh Yarizadeh; Heshmatollah Taherkhani; Mohammad Ali  Amir-Zargar; Mohammad Matini

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6282

Manizheh Yarizadeh Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Heshmatollah Taherkhani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Mohammad Ali Amir-Zargar Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Mohammad Matini Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6282

Keywords: Diagnosis; Men; Polymerase chain re-action; Trichomonas vaginalis; Urine

Abstract

Background: Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan, may lead to clinical or subclinical urethritis or prostatitis in men. Despite the importance of men in the epidemiology of trichomoniasis, there is little information about this topic. This epidemiological study was performed on men in Hamedan, western Iran.

Methods: During Oct 2018 to Mar 2019, 214 male individuals, presenting to the Urology Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, were enrolled and evaluated for trichomoniasis. First-voided urine specimen was used for detection of T. vaginalis infection using molecular and parasitological methods.

Results: Trichomoniasis was detected in 10 of 214 male participants (4.7%, 95% CI: 7.5-1.8%) using PCR assay. Culture and wet mount preparation of urine sediment were unable to isolates any T. vaginalis parasite. Nine of the 10 infected men were married, and six of them were ≥49 yr of age. Urinary frequency and dysuria were the most complaints (80%) among infected individuals.

Conclusion: Given the notable prevalence of the infection, the prevalence of male trichomoniasis will be underestimated if only conventional diagnostic methods are used. Therefore, the risk of infection as well as the molecular survey of T. vaginalis infection should be considered in men with or without clinical symptoms.