The infection cannot be transmitted to the fetus but it can lead to prematurity in the pregnancy. It can affect men as much as women. Men can get infection of the urethra and the prostate gland. Long-standing prostatic inflammation can ultimately lead to an increase in prostate cancer. Trichomonas can be tested for by looking at the organism under a light microscope. It can also be cultured in the laboratory but it is only about 70 to 89 percent sensitive in detecting the disease. The best test is one that looks for the DNA that is found in the fluids of people infected by the organism. It can be prevented by using male or female condoms. It is not likely to be spread through water because, at least in hot water, the organism dies within thirty minutes to three hours. It is not screened for in pregnancy or in nonpregnant females but is tested for in women with vaginal discharge. It is treated with certain antibiotics, usually metronidazole. Sexual partners should be treated as well. One dose kills most of the infections.
PUBIC LICE Pubic lice are also referred to as crab lice or crabs. This is a parasitic insect that feeds only on human blood. It is found in pubic hair and is only found in humans. It can rarely be seen on human eyelashes. It is a tiny louse less than 2 millimeters in length and has a round body. Figure 18 is what the pubic louse looks like:
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