Trichomonads in pleural effusion: case report, literature review and utility of PCR for species identification

New Microbiol. 2012 Jan;35(1):83-7. Epub 2012 Jan 10.

Abstract

Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan commonly found in the human oral cavity but of unusual occurrence in pulmonary infections. We describe a case of a 67-year-old patient with glioblastoma who presented with severe pleurisy in the post-operative period while she was receiving high-dose corticotherapy. Several motile flagellated protozoa were identified in the pleural fluid. Trichomonas tenax was identified by molecular methods. Pulmonary infections with Trichomonads might be underestimated because of diagnostic difficulties. The utility of molecular biology for species identification is underlined and the pathogenicity of Trichomonad parasites in human lungs is discussed in light of previously reported cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / genetics
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / complications
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion / parasitology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S / genetics
  • Trichomonas / genetics
  • Trichomonas / isolation & purification*
  • Trichomonas Infections / diagnosis*
  • Trichomonas Infections / etiology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S

Associated data

  • GENBANK/HM579936