Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a single-celled parasite and the most common curable STI globally by some estimates, yet it is the infection most likely to be absent from a basic screening panel. Around 70% of people infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, women may notice frothy yellow-green discharge with an unusual odour, itching and discomfort on urination; men usually have nothing, or mild urethral irritation. Modern detection is by PCR/NAAT on a vaginal swab or urine sample, which is far more sensitive than the older wet-mount microscopy still used in some settings. Untreated trichomoniasis is associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and, in pregnancy, with preterm birth and low birth weight. Treatment is straightforward: a course of metronidazole or tinidazole, with all partners treated simultaneously. Because reinfection is common when a partner goes untreated, re-testing after about three months is standard advice. If you are asking a clinic what its full panel covers, trichomonas is a reasonable specific item to check for.