Trichomonas Vaginalis is Usually Transmitted During Sexual Intercourse Because It

Question

Trichomonas vaginalis is usually transmitted during sexual intercourse because it
A) requires a growth factor found only in the vagina.
B) penetrates cells lining the genitourinary tract.
C) participates with HIV in coinfections.
D) produces cysts that germinate in the vagina.
E) cannot live long outside the body.

Accepted Answer

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact because it does not survive well outside the human body. It is adapted to live in the urogenital tract of humans, and its transmission is facilitated by the close contact of mucosal surfaces during sexual intercourse. Unlike some other parasites, it does not form cysts that can survive harsh external conditions, nor does it require specific growth factors found only in the vagina or penetrate cells lining the genitourinary tract in a manner that is unique to its transmission. While it can be present in individuals coinfected with HIV, this is not the reason it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse.