From the Guidelines
Yes, Trichomonas vaginalis can be transmitted to a male neonate during vaginal delivery, though this is relatively uncommon. If a pregnant woman has trichomoniasis at the time of delivery, the parasite can potentially be passed to the baby as it travels through the birth canal. For newborn males who acquire the infection, symptoms may include urethral discharge or irritation.
Key Considerations
- The parasite typically cannot survive long outside its preferred environment in the urogenital tissues, which reduces the likelihood of transmission but does not eliminate it entirely 1.
- Treatment for infected infants typically involves metronidazole, with dosing based on the infant's weight, though treatment should always be directed by a pediatrician.
- To prevent transmission, pregnant women should be screened for trichomoniasis, especially if they have symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, and treated before delivery.
Prevention and Treatment
- The standard treatment for pregnant women is metronidazole 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, as per the guidelines for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases 1.
- It is crucial for pregnant women to be aware of the risks associated with trichomoniasis and the importance of screening and treatment to prevent transmission to the neonate.
Clinical Implications
- Clinicians should be vigilant about screening pregnant women for trichomoniasis, particularly those with symptoms or at high risk, to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and transmission to the neonate 1.
- Given the potential for transmission and the importance of preventing adverse outcomes, screening and treatment of trichomoniasis in pregnant women should be prioritized, based on the most recent guidelines and evidence available 1.
From the Research
Transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis
- Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse 2, 3.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Trichomonas vaginalis can be transmitted to a male neonate during vaginal delivery.
- However, Trichomonas vaginalis infection has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) 4.
Vertical Transmission
- While the studies do not directly address the transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis to a male neonate during vaginal delivery, they do highlight the importance of considering the infection in pregnant women 4, 5.
- It is possible that an infected mother could transmit the infection to her newborn during delivery, but this would require further research to confirm.