Prevalence investigation & genotyping of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates in Bushehr by actin gene

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a human urogenital pathogen that causes trichomoniasis, a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection, with worldwide distribution. Current study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and evaluate actin genotypes of T. vaginalis isolates using PCR–RFLP in Bushehr, south of Iran, for the first time.

Methods: 346 urine and vaginal samples were collected from women admitted to health service centers and Ghaem hospital in Bushehr for a year. The samples were examined by wet mount, culture and PCR. After harvesting the parasites, DNA was extracted and the actin gene was amplified by nested-PCR. Then, total PCR products were digested with HindII, MseI, and RsaI restriction enzymes. Finally, digestion patterns were compared, and the genotype of these isolates was defined. Also, the PCR products were sequenced.

Results: Among the samples, 20 (5.7%) isolates were T. vaginalis. The most abundant genotypes were genotype E (30%) with 6 samples and G & H genotypes each had 20% share with 4 samples, followed by intermediate genotype P/ I (5%) with one sample using PCR–RFLP patterns and sequencing.

Conclusion: Although genotype E was the predominant in Bushehr, the presence of substantial genetic diversity suggests ongoing genetic variation within the population. This kind of study would be a useful tool for the infectious disease control and treatment in each region. More studies on a larger scale are still needed to understand the relationship between genetic diversity and drug resistance of T. vaginalis. Notably, no drug-resistant strains were detected in the present study.

Dr. Marzieh Taherzadeh is a microbiologist specializing in diagnostic parasitology research. She holds a PhD in Microbiology from Science and Research Branch University/Tehran/Iran. Dr. Taherzadeh works at BUMS and has published several articles on novel natural drug compounds and infectious diseases. She is currently the Manager of the parasitology lab at the University of Bushehr, Iran.