Double stranded RNA virus in South African Trichomonas vaginalis isolates. (Short Report).

Aims: To screen Trichomonas vagina/is isolates from South Africa far the presence of a small double stranded RNA virus designated T vagina/is virus (TVV).

Methods: TVV was detected by simultaneous extraction of DNA and RNA, and its presence confirmed by electron microscopy and nuclease digestions.

Results: TVV was detected in 59 of 72 (81 .9%) isolates.

Conclusions: These results indicate a possible higher infection rate of South African T vagina/is isolates by the double stranded RNA virus than has been reported for isolates elsewhere.

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The organism Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Trichomonas vaginalis infections have been associated with an enhanced predisposition to other STDs, including human immunodeficiency virus, (1) premature labour during pregnancy, (2) and a higher risk of cervical neoplasia (3) Studies in South Africa on presumably asymptomatic groups of women reported very high trichomoniasis rates of 20% to 49%. (4) It is not clear whether this is a …