Pulmonary Trichomoniasis

Description

Trichomonas species are not thought of being pulmonary pathogens, but they may be associated with respiratory disease if certain risk factors are present. It may be difficult to determine if the trichomonad is a primary pathogen or simple along for the ride.

The most common Trichomonas species involved is T. tenax, which is present in the mouth. Access to the lungs is through aspiration. However, other species (T, vaginalis, T. hominis) may be involved.

Risk factors include:

(1) asthma

(2) AIDS

(3) diabetes mellitus

(4) SLE

(5) lung or other cancer

(6) chronic alcohol abuse

(7) aspiration pneumonia

(8) lung abscess

(9) bronchiectasis

Clinical findings may include:

(1) acute respiratory failure

(2) empyema

(3) dry cough, dyspnea or other nonspecific finding

Therapy consists of metronidazole, together with treatment of concomitant disorders.

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