Trichomonas vaginalis harboring Mycoplasma hominis increases cytopathogenicity in vitro

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2008 Apr;27(4):259-67. doi: 10.1007/s10096-007-0422-1. Epub 2007 Nov 27.

Abstract

The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections in humans. Mycoplasmas are frequently found with trichomonads but the consequences of this association are not yet known. In the present study, the effects of T. vaginalis harboring M. hominis on human vaginal epithelial cells and on MDCK cells are described. The results were analyzed by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as using cell viability assays. There was an increase in the cytopathic effects on the epithelial cells infected with T. vaginalis associated with M. hominis compared to T. vaginalis alone. The epithelial cells exhibited an increase in the intercellular spaces, a lesser viability, and increased destruction provoked by the infected T. vaginalis. In addition, the trichomonads presented a higher amoeboid transformation rate and an intense phagocytic activity, characteristics of higher virulence behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epithelial Cells / parasitology*
  • Epithelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycoplasma hominis / isolation & purification*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / microbiology*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / pathogenicity*
  • Vagina / cytology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents