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Tulane University researchers are at the forefront of a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize the treatment of trichomoniasis, a frequently overlooked but highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI). Despite being the most common curable STI globally, trichomoniasis remains underrecognized and poorly treated due to limited public awareness and existing treatment challenges.
The study, which has received a substantial $9.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to evaluate a new treatment option for trichomoniasis. Researchers will compare the efficacy of secnidazole, a recently approved medication, against the current standard treatment, metronidazole. This five-year, multi-center study will involve a cohort of 1,200 participants across Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.
Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, affects approximately 156 million people annually worldwide. The infection can cause significant health issues, including increased susceptibility to HIV, pre-term birth in pregnant women, and higher risks of perinatal morbidity. Notably, African American women are four times more likely to be affected by this STI.
Dr. Patty Kissinger, a professor of epidemiology at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, highlighted the urgency of the research: “More than 10 percent of people who take the recommended treatment still have it. That is just unacceptable. We need better options.” She emphasized the challenge that trichomoniasis often presents with no symptoms, leading to its underdiagnosis and the absence of routine screening recommendations by the CDC for asymptomatic individuals.
Current treatment for trichomoniasis typically involves metronidazole, which has a notable 10% breakthrough rate. This means that a significant number of patients still harbor the infection after treatment. The new study is particularly significant as it includes men in the cohort for the first time and will be the first to directly compare secnidazole to metronidazole. Secnidazole’s advantage lies in its single-dose administration, potentially addressing issues related to adherence and reinfection that complicate the use of metronidazole.
Despite its promising profile, concerns about the cost of secnidazole remain. Dr. Kissinger hopes that if the study proves successful, it could lead to better treatment options and increase awareness of trichomoniasis, thereby promoting more widespread screening. “If this is successful, we could control it and encourage more screening that could reduce perinatal morbidity and maybe even reduce the chances of some people getting HIV,” she said.
This study represents the third in a series funded by the NIH aimed at refining trichomoniasis treatment. The findings could have a profound impact on public health, especially in regions with high infection rates like the Deep South.
The research, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, marks a crucial step towards improving the management of trichomoniasis and addressing a long-neglected aspect of sexual health.
