Trichomonas vaginalis, PAP smear
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Trichomonas vaginalis, PAP smear Trichomonas vaginalis is perhaps the most common protozoon you will see clinically. Several trophozoites are seen in this photomicrograph (arrows). The trophs are 5-30 micrometers in diameter. Giemsa staining would reveal 4 flagellae, which makes the organism motile in wet preps, and thus aids identification. Numerous Gram-negative bacteria are also seen in the photomicrograph. This is fairly typical, as T. vaginalis often coexists with other vaginal infections, such as Gardnerella. Transmission is primarily via sexual contact. Asymptomatic infection can occur in both males and females, so it is important to treat all sexual partners when the diagnosis is made in a symptomatic individual.