Subepithelial organisms in trichomonal cervicitis

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is usually described as a surface-dwelling, noninvasive organism. Most studies of the pathogenicity of this organism have been derived from cytologic studies of uterine cervical epithelium. We employed specific immunoperoxidase techniques that allow the identification of organisms in cytologic and histologic specimens. In a case of trichomonal cervicitis these organisms were demonstrated both on the epithelial surface and in subepithelial tissues. Interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed.