Trichomoniasis and Other Sexually Transmitted Parasitic Diseases in Women.

Abstract

Parasitic sexually transmitted infections are spread through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, and/or anal sex). The majority of parasitic STIs involve protozoan pathogens (ie, Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia duodenalis ); however, ectoparasitic infections ( Pthirus pubis and Sarcoptes scabiei ) are also included in this group. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of parasitic sexually transmitted infections, with a particular focus on their impact on women.