Trichomonas vaginalis Virus: Current Insights and Emerging Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews the Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV), its structure, effects on the parasite's pathogenicity, and potential impact on treatment and disease severity.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of TVV's genomic and functional characteristics and its clinical implications.

Findings

TVV is a ~5 kbp dsRNA virus associated with the Golgi complex and plasma membrane of T. vaginalis.

TVV influences protein expression, including virulence factors like cysteine proteases and surface antigens.

TVV-positive T. vaginalis infections may alter drug susceptibility and clinical symptom severity.

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis, a prevalent sexually transmitted protozoan parasite, is associated with adverse birth outcomes, increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and cervical cancer. Despite its widespread impact, trichomoniasis remains underdiagnosed and underreported globally. Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus infecting T. vaginalis, could impact T. vaginalis pathogenicity. We provide an overview of TVV, including its genomic structure, transmission, impact on protein expression, role in 5-nitroimidazole drug susceptibility, and clinical significance. TVV is a ~5 kbp dsRNA virus enclosed within a viral capsid closely associated with the Golgi complex and plasma membrane of infected parasites. Hypothetical mechanisms of TVV transmission have been proposed. TVV affects protein expression in T. vaginalis, including cysteine proteases and surface antigens, thus impacting its virulence and ability to evade the immune system. Additionally, TVV may influence the sensitivity of T. vaginalis to treatment; clinical isolates of T. vaginalis not harboring TVV are more likely to be resistant to metronidazole. Clinically, TVV-positive T. vaginalis infections have been associated with a range in severity of genital signs and symptoms. Further research into interactions between T. vaginalis and TVV is essential in improving diagnosis, treatment, and the development of targeted interventions.

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