Clinical features:
(1) The patient is a neonate with respiratory symptoms, ranging from bronchitis, to pneumonia, to respiratory distress.
(2) variable presence of bilateral patchy pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray
(3) evidence of Trichomonas vaginalis in respiratory tract (direct microscopy, PCR, other)
(4) evidence of Trichomonas vaginalis in the mother's genital tract
(5) absence of alternative explanation for the respiratory findings
The mothers in many of the reported cases did not have prenatal care.
Problems in diagnosis may occur:
(1) if the infant is born prematurely with immature lungs
(2) if there was premature rupture of the membranes (PROM)
(3) if there are other infectious agents present
An affected neonate (and the mother) should be screened for other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Therapy may include:
(1) respiratory support until spontaneously resolved
(2) metronidazole therapy
