Double-Stranded RNA Viral Infection in Tehran Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates

BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoon and may be contaminated with dsRNA virus called Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV). The viral infection is an important factor for its pathogenesis and sensitivity to metronidazole. The presence of TVV is associated with qualitative and quantitative expression of cysteine proteinases and surface immunogenic; P270. The purpose of this study was to determine TVV frequency in T. vaginalis clinical isolates in Tehran, Iran. METHODS The 46 T. vaginalis isolates were collected from Tehran Province and cultured in TYI-S-33 culture medium. Viral RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was done. RESULTS Of 46 T. vaginalis isolates, 8 isolates (17.39%) were infected with TVV-1. There was not any association between patient age and TVV- infected T. vaginalis. There were 17.39% viral infection in T. vaginalis isolates which was lower than that reported by other researchers. CONCLUSION This is the first report on T. vaginalis isolates infection by TVV-1 in Iran.