From the Guidelines
No, trichomoniasis cannot be contracted through tap water. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person 1. The parasite cannot survive in treated municipal water supplies as the chlorination and filtration processes used in water treatment effectively kill these organisms. Trichomoniasis requires direct sexual contact for transmission, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The parasite can only live for a short time outside the human body and needs a warm, moist environment to survive.
Key Points to Consider
- Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan T. vaginalis, and most men who are infected do not have symptoms, while many women have symptoms characterized by a diffuse, malodorous, yellow-green discharge with vulvar irritation 1.
- Diagnosis of vaginal trichomoniasis is usually performed by microscopy of vaginal secretions or culture, with culture being the most sensitive commercially available method of diagnosis 1.
- Treatment for trichomoniasis typically involves a single dose of metronidazole (2 grams) or tinidazole (2 grams) taken by mouth, which effectively eliminates the infection in most cases 1. If you're concerned about trichomoniasis, it's essential to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, limit sexual partners, and get regular STI testing if sexually active.
From the Research
Trichomoniasis Transmission
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the flagellated protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis 2.
- The primary mode of transmission is through sexual contact, and it is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide 3.
Waterborne Transmission
- There is limited evidence to suggest that trichomoniasis can be contracted through tap water.
- A study found that Trichomonas vaginalis can survive in mineral baths for up to 3 hours, but the risk of transmission is considered low due to the dilution effect of the water volume 4.
- Another study found that Trichomonas vaginalis could not be isolated from the water of a swimming pool, and the protozoon loses its infectivity within seconds after exposure to chlorinated water 5.
Other Routes of Transmission
- Trichomoniasis can also be transmitted through contaminated objects, such as wet benches and toilet seats, in areas where the parasite is present 4.
- However, the risk of transmission through these routes is not well understood and requires further study.
Comparison to Other Waterborne Pathogens
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that can cause a range of infections, can survive in drinking water and colonize biofilms in plumbing fixtures 6.
- However, the risk of transmission of P. aeruginosa through drinking water is considered low, and the primary route of transmission is through skin exposure in hot tubs or lung exposure from inhaling aerosols 6.