Neonatal conjunctivitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a systematic review

Abstract

Amongst sexually transmitted infections in the world, Trichomonas vaginalis is of the most common. Most of the infections are asymptomatic. It can infect women more than men because of genital tracts condition. The mother’s birth canal and perineum are common sources of infants’ eye infection. Some studies noted the possibility of T. vaginalis transmission through the birth canal to infants. Such an event can lead to neonatal conjunctivitis. By following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review conducted to assess the possibility of neonatal conjunctivitis caused by T. vaginalis. Several factors can play a role in T. vaginalis transmission, such as low sanitary level, physical contact by contaminated biological fluids and infant’s opened eyes during the delivery. Through the review of different studies, it is inferred, although the probability of neonatal conjunctivitis caused by T. vaginalis is low, but it is possible. Finally, metronidazole is an approved drug for treatment of trichomoniasis and needs to consider in neonatal conjunctivitis caused by T. vaginalis.

Keywords

• neonatal conjunctivitis
• trichomonas vaginalis
• sexually transmitted infections
• sexually transmitted diseases
• infant’s eye infection
• trichomoniasis