T. vaginalis infection in men is considered a nuisance disease and men are most often transient or asymptomatic carriers. This lack of signs and symptoms helps facilitate the spread of Tv. Asymptomatic cases account for over 50% of Tv infections in men, though a range have been reported in literature (14–77.3%) [5], [12], [13], [14] and [15]. Low sensitivity of laboratory

testing used, discussed below, is the most probable explanation for the wide range of reported asymptomatic cases [14] and [16]. An infection in the male urinary selleck compound tract can remain asymptomatic until resolution [12] and [17]. Following an asymptomatic incubation period male trichomoniasis presents itself as any of persistent urethritis, urethral discharge, dysuria, frequency of micturition, prostatitis, lower abdominal pain, pruritis, and epididymitis. Other complications have been ascribed including infertility and benign prostatic hyperplasia [7], [12], [17] and [18]. Among a cohort of men with untreated Tv infection, the rate of recovered organisms dropped from 70% to 30% infected within 2 weeks of diagnosis suggesting spontaneous resolution [12]. However, this data has not been replicated using more sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques. Resolution in males has lead to the description of Tv as a nuisance

disease, which undermines its impact on maternal/child health and has restricted interest in developing public policy in diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies to understand the burden

of Tv and reduce its impact as an STI pathogen. Selleck BMS-777607 T. vaginalis prevalence in men and women during the reproductive years is a major concern. Particularly, pregnancies coinciding with an active vaginal Tv infection may result in preterm birth, premature membrane rupture, and low birth weight [7] and [19]. Investigation of the factors of premature rupture of membranes by Draper and colleagues [20] and [21] revealed a possible connection between a decrease of protective vaginal Levetiracetam proteases and the elastic strength of the amnion and chorion. Additionally, in the in vitro model of premature membrane rupture, weaker membranes was inoculum dependent, and was demonstrated by both presence of live Tv organisms but as well Tv free cell culture filtrates [20] and [21]. This data coincides with the identification of Tv secreted cysteine proteases that have been shown to digest host-secreted protein soluble leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) [22]. This host-derived serine protease is found on mucosal surfaces, interacts with innate inflammatory responses, and is protective of the vaginal milieu against HIV-1 [23]. Dysregulation of the inflammatory response during pregnancy related to SLPI could be responsible for the birth complications observed during pregnancy with concurrent Tv infection. T.