Finally, the scientists of UK and US have decoded the genome of the creature. Institute for Genomic Research in Maryland, spent two years on gene decoding project with assistance from experts at Newcastle University.
The scientists have decoded the gene responsible for trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and say it would be easy to find better treatments.
Trichomoniasis can affect both men and women but it is more common in women. Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina. In women infection occurs mostly in vagina and in men urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection. Symptoms in infected women are heavy yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, discomfort during sexual intercourse and urination, irritation and itching and lower abdominal pain. Usually infected men have no Symptoms.
Infected men and women both have an increased susceptibility to HIV infection and may transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
Pregnant woman can also be affected by Trichomoniasis by giving birth to a premature baby or low-weight babies. It’s linked to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Trichomoniasis is easily curable with a drug called Flagyl but many people go undiagnosed and thus continue spreading Trichomoniasis. Because of no cure to disease the parasite is starting to develop resistance to the drug.
Via: BBC
