Trichomonas
| Trichomonas | |
|---|---|
| |
| Two Giemsa
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Phylum: | Metamonada |
| Subphylum: | Trichozoa |
| (unranked): | Parabasalia |
| Order: | Trichomonadida |
| Family: | Trichomonadidae |
| Genus: | Trichomonas |
| Species[1] | |
Trichomonas is a genus of
Habitat and ecology
Trichomonas is typically found in
Morphology
Trichomonas is around 10 µm in length and is normally pear-shaped. It has four
Another distinguishing feature of Trichomonas is the presence of an undulating membrane. The undulating membrane is a fin-like extension of the plasma membrane located on the side of the organism. A flagellum that extends to the posterior end of the organism is attached to the outer edge of the undulating membrane. At the base of the undulating membrane is a striated fiber called the costa which is thought to exist for structural support.[7][10][6][8][9]
Trichomonas has a very interesting
Genetics
Trichomonas vaginalis, being the species that causes the most complications in humans, is the only fully sequenced Trichomonas species. Through whole-genome shotgun sequencing, the Trichomonas vaginalis genome is estimated to be around 160 Mb long, divided into six chromosomes. However, at least 65% of its genome was found to be redundant. The redundant genetic material is hypothesized to have emerged during Trichomonas's transition from aerobic to anaerobic environments.[12]
In addition to discovering the large proportion of
Life cycle
Trichomonas has a
In its trophozoite form, Trichomonas undergoes cell division through an interesting process called cryptopleuromitosis. There are three common forms of
Diseases
Trichomonas causes disease in humans and in birds. In humans, the causative species is Trichomonas vaginalis and Trichomonas tenax.[3][5][6] In birds, the causative species are Trichomonas gallinae, Trichomonas gypactinii, and Trichomonas stableri.[14][15][7]
In humans
Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted disease and causes trichomoniasis. It resides on squamous epithelium of the urogenital tract. Many carriers of Trichomonas vaginalis, especially men, are asymptomatic. Complications for symptomatic women include vaginitis, endometritis, infertility, and cervical cancer. Complications for symptomatic men include urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, and infertility. It is also associated with increased risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV.[5][6]
Trichomonas tenax is transmitted through exchange of saliva and contaminated water sources. It is an opportunistic pathogen and may cause pulmonary trichomoniasis.[3]
In birds
Trichomonas in birds inhabit the upper digestive tract and also cause trichomoniasis. It creates lesions in the trachea and esophagus, occupying space and eventually causing emaciation and asphyxiation.[14][15][7]
Species
- Trichomonas brixi — inhabits the oral cavity of dogs and cats.[4]
- Trichomonas gallinae — inhabits the upper digestive tract of primarily pigeons and doves, but also other birds.[7]
- Trichomonas gypactinii — inhabits the upper digestive tract of scavenging birds of prey, such as vultures.[15]
- Trichomonas stableri — inhabits the upper digestive tract of pigeons.[14]
- Trichomonas tenax — inhabits the oral cavity of humans.[3]
- Trichomonas vaginalis — inhabits the urogenital tract of humans.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Trichomonas". NCBI taxonomy. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved 4 February 2019.
- ^ Donné, A. (19 September 1836). "Animalcules observés dans les matières purulentes et le produit des sécrétions des organes génitaux de l'homme et de la femme". Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l'Académie des Sciences (in French). 3: 385–386.
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- Ruggiero, Michael A.; Gordon, Dennis P.; Orrell, Thomas M.; Bailly, Nicolas; Bourgoin, Thierry; Brusca, Richard C.; Cavalier-Smith, Thomas; Guiry, Michael D.; Kirk, Paul M.; Thuesen, Erik V. (29 April 2015). "A higher level classification of all living organisms". PLOS ONE. 10 (4): e0119248. PMID 25923521.
