Question

A patient came to the gynecology OPD with complaints of foul-smelling frothy vaginal discharge and intense itching. On examination, the cervix appeared strawberry-like. Which of the following statement is false regarding the causative organism?

• A. It exists in cyst and trophozoite form
• B. It is an obligate parasite
• C. The gold standard for diagnosis is culture on CPLM or PEM
• D. The treatment of choice is metronidazole

Hint:

For Trichomonas vaginalis infections, it is essential to treat both the patient and their sexual partners to prevent reinfection and further spread.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

It exists in cyst and trophozoite form: This statement is false. The causative organism in this case is Trichomonas vaginalis, which exists only in the trophozoite form. It does not have a cyst form, unlike some other protozoans such as Entamoeba histolytica.
It is an obligate parasite: This is true. Trichomonas vaginalis is an obligate parasite, meaning it cannot survive outside its host for long.
The gold standard for diagnosis is culture on CPLM or PEM: This is true. The gold standard for diagnosing Trichomonas vaginalis is culture on Diamond’s medium (CPLM or PEM), which allows the organism to grow and be identified.
The treatment of choice is metronidazole: This is true. Trichomonas vaginalis infections are treated with metronidazole, an antibiotic that is effective against protozoal infections. Thus, the correct answer is It exists in cyst and trophozoite form (1) because Trichomonas vaginalis does not have a cyst stage in its life cycle.