Trichomonas vaginalis and human papillomavirus: Association with the microbiota and burden on the cervix

Abstract

Trichomoniasis and HPV infection are common non-viral and viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Emerging evidence shows that the female genital tract and its microbiota are greatly affected by these pathogens. However, the relationship between Trichomonas vaginalis, the vaginal microbiome, and High-risk (HR)-HPV infection is complex and multifaceted. Studies have proven that concurrent infections of HIV and HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer. With this basis, a question arises: How does the concurrent infection of trichomonas vaginalis and HPV affect genital tract health? Does this concurrent infection enhance or inhibit the development of cervical lesions? This review aims to bring light to these questions. This review also covers the association of trichomonas vaginalis and HPV with the microbiota of the genital tract.

Keywords

• Human Papillomavirus
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Vagina microbiota
• Co-infection