Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors
<i>Trichomonas tenax</i> is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, the...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Maurice Matthew Jennifer Ketzis Samson Mukaratirwa Chaoqun Yao |
| author_facet | Maurice Matthew Jennifer Ketzis Samson Mukaratirwa Chaoqun Yao |
| author_sort | Maurice Matthew |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <i>Trichomonas tenax</i> is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, there is a need to identify potential knowledge gaps in <i>T. tenax</i> transmission for future research and emphasize the importance of the One Health approach in controlling the spread of this flagellar protozoan. <i>Trichomonas tenax</i> has been found in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and birds at various body sites, including the lungs and the urogenital tract, in addition to the oral cavity. Its transmission is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and socioeconomic factors such as age, income, smoking, and public awareness, along with poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases. Direct host-to-host transmission also plays an important role; however, transmission through fomites or contaminated water still needs to be scientifically proven to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms. More studies on this flagellate are warranted, especially using animal models and epidemiological studies, to better understand its transmission dynamics. Prioritizing research in these areas could result in a more comprehensive understanding of <i>T. tenax</i> transmission dynamics and the factors that influence it, ultimately aiding in the development of effective control and prevention strategies. It is also recommended to encourage collaboration between medical and veterinary professionals in addressing this zoonotic protozoan, recognizing that it aligns with the One Health approach. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9393333528214e87aed7c5529feb8690 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-2607 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-9393333528214e87aed7c5529feb86902025-08-20T03:08:02ZengMDPI AGMicroorganisms2076-26072025-06-01137147510.3390/microorganisms13071475Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental FactorsMaurice Matthew0Jennifer Ketzis1Samson Mukaratirwa2Chaoqun Yao3One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Infectious Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and NevisOne Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Infectious Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and NevisOne Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Infectious Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and NevisOne Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Infectious Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis<i>Trichomonas tenax</i> is an anaerobic flagellate usually found in the oral cavity of humans and domestic animals. It is very likely to be transmitted through kissing, sharing saliva, contaminated utensils, and water. However, research on its transmission dynamics is scarce. Hence, there is a need to identify potential knowledge gaps in <i>T. tenax</i> transmission for future research and emphasize the importance of the One Health approach in controlling the spread of this flagellar protozoan. <i>Trichomonas tenax</i> has been found in humans, dogs, cats, horses, and birds at various body sites, including the lungs and the urogenital tract, in addition to the oral cavity. Its transmission is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and socioeconomic factors such as age, income, smoking, and public awareness, along with poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases. Direct host-to-host transmission also plays an important role; however, transmission through fomites or contaminated water still needs to be scientifically proven to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms. More studies on this flagellate are warranted, especially using animal models and epidemiological studies, to better understand its transmission dynamics. Prioritizing research in these areas could result in a more comprehensive understanding of <i>T. tenax</i> transmission dynamics and the factors that influence it, ultimately aiding in the development of effective control and prevention strategies. It is also recommended to encourage collaboration between medical and veterinary professionals in addressing this zoonotic protozoan, recognizing that it aligns with the One Health approach.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1475<i>Trichomonas tenax</i>transmissionzoonosishostenvironmental factors |
| spellingShingle | Maurice Matthew Jennifer Ketzis Samson Mukaratirwa Chaoqun Yao Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors Microorganisms <i>Trichomonas tenax</i> transmission zoonosis host environmental factors |
| title | Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors |
| title_full | Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors |
| title_fullStr | Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors |
| title_full_unstemmed | Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors |
| title_short | Transmission Dynamics of <i>Trichomonas tenax</i>: Host and Site Specificity, Zoonotic Potential, and Environmental Factors |
| title_sort | transmission dynamics of i trichomonas tenax i host and site specificity zoonotic potential and environmental factors |
| topic | <i>Trichomonas tenax</i> transmission zoonosis host environmental factors |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1475 |
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