A Resistant Case of Familial Nonsexual Transmission of Trichomonas

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan responsible for the most prevalent sexually transmitted nonviral disease worldwide. This is a case report of probable grandmother to granddaughter nonsexual transmission of trichomonas. The granddaughter had no prior sexual contact for the last 11 years. The patient presented for a follow-up of urinary tract infection diagnosed at her neurologist’s office. On review, it was noticed that the urinalysis microscopy revealed trichomonas. History-taking revealed no usual sexual exposure, but subsequent investigation revealed probable exposure from her grandmother. Furthermore, typical single-dose treatment followed by typical seven-day treatment was ineffective. High-dose metronidazole for seven days was required for treatment. While nonsexual transmission of trichomonas is rare, there have been numerous case reports and studies showing that it does occur. The subsequent presented case highlights the need to broaden the search for contacts beyond sexual transmission. Also, resistance to usual treatment, as seen in this case, is seldom encountered, but it could have been caused by repeated treatment and re-exposure to the unusual source.