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.