Neues Interesse an Trichomonas vaginalis

Recently, infections with Trichomonas vaginalis appear to be on the rise again in Germany, which could possibly be caused by more suitable detection methods. In addition to molecular genetic investigations using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in the last few decades a number of other aspects of the pathogen’s virulence and the immune response of the human body have been investigated and detected. Innovative analytical methods led to a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of the pathogen and could therefore enable the future development of targeted and more effective treatment approaches. This will not only be of benefit for the affected patients and their sexual partners but in the long term also the healthcare system as protracted treatment of recurrences and further spread of the infection can be avoided.