Management of metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis--a new approach

Int J STD AIDS. 2005 Jul;16(7):488-90. doi: 10.1258/0956462054308422.

Abstract

Metronidazole-resistant trichomoniasis is an infrequent but challenging problem with no universally successful treatment. Since 1994, we have been using a combination regimen consisting of high-dose tinidazole plus a broad-spectrum antibiotic, i.e. doxycycline or ampicillin, and clotrimazole pessaries, for 7--14 days in this condition. A retrospective case review identified 11 cases of resistant trichomonas between 1994 and 2002. In the absence of resistance testing, resistance was defined clinically. Nine of the 11 patients were cured; one patient did not attend follow-up. In the women who attended for follow-up, the cure rate was 90%. We have found the combination of tinidazole, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and clotrimazole pessaries to be a tolerable and effective treatment for metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis. Although a variety of total doses of tinidazole were used in our patients, based on our findings, and those of others, we would recommend giving tinidazole 2 g twice daily for 14 days (total dose 56 g).

MeSH terms

  • Ampicillin / administration & dosage
  • Ampicillin / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clotrimazole / administration & dosage
  • Clotrimazole / therapeutic use
  • Doxycycline / administration & dosage
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Metronidazole / pharmacology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tinidazole / administration & dosage
  • Tinidazole / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / drug therapy*
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / parasitology
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antitrichomonal Agents
  • Tinidazole
  • Metronidazole
  • Ampicillin
  • Clotrimazole
  • Doxycycline