Trichomoniasis--an important cofactor of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Trichomonas (T.) vaginalis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The estimated number of new T. vaginalis infections accounts for 276.4 million cases globally. The pathogen induces local inflammation of the lower genitourinary tract, can be involved in premature labour, low birth weight and facilitates HIV-1 transmission via sexual intercourse. In the paper, we present basic epidemiological data on T. vaginalis infection, biologic mechanisms by which the pathogen enhances HIV-1 acquisition, principles of modern diagnosis and treatment of the infection.