Double stranded RNA virus in South African Trichomonas vaginalis isolates.

AIMS To screen Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from South Africa for the presence of a small double stranded RNA virus designated T vaginalis virus (TVV). METHODS TVV was detected by simultaneous extraction of DNA and RNA, and its presence confirmed by electron microscopy and nuclease digestions. RESULTS TVV was detected in 59 of 72 (81.9%) isolates. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a possible higher infection rate of South African T vaginalis isolates by the double stranded RNA virus than has been reported for isolates elsewhere.