The key difference between Trichomonas and Gardnerella is that Trichomonas is a genus of protozoan parasites that causes a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis. At the same time, Gardnerella is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that causes a genital infection called bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomonas and Gardnerella are two genera that contain pathogenic species. They cause diseases in humans. Trichomonas species such as Trichomonas vaginalis cause trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. Gardnerella species such as Gardnerella vaginalis cause bacterial vaginosis. Moreover, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis account for 90 % of infectious vaginosis.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Trichomonas
3. What is Gardnerella
4. Similarities – Trichomonas and Gardnerella
5. Trichomonas vs. Gardnerella in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Trichomonas vs. Gardnerella
What is Trichomonas?
Trichomonas is a genus of anaerobic protozoan parasites of vertebrates. Alfred François Donné discovered this genus species in 1836 in the pus of a patient suffering from vaginitis. These species were predominantly found in anaerobic environments. They are also parasites of humans, birds, dogs, and cats. In humans, the species of this genus can be found in the urogenital tract. Tichomonas species are around 10 µm in length in size, and they usually are pear-shaped. Tichomonas species also have four flagella at their anterior end. The species of this genus, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, has a genome around 160 Mb long, divided into six chromosomes.
Figure 01: Trichomonas
The species of this genus, like Trichomonas vaginalis, cause human disease known as trichomoniasis. It is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include froth-like discharge in the penis, burning after ejaculation, irritation inside the penis, thin, white, yellow, or greenish vaginal discharge, irritation, soreness, or redness in the vaginal opening. Moreover, trichomoniasis can be diagnosed through physical examination and laboratory tests. Furthermore, trichomoniasis can be treated through antibiotic medications to kill the parasite causing the infection.
What is Gardnerella?
Gardnerella is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that causes diseases such as bacterial vaginosis in humans. These bacterial species are generally small (1.0–1.5 μm in diameter), non-spore-forming, non-motile, and coccobacilli in shape. Gardnerella vaginalis was discovered in 1953 by Sidney Leopold. In humans, these species can be found inside the vagina and are part of vaginal flora.
Figure 02: Normal vs. BV Flora
The species of this genus, G. vaginalis, is the causative agent of bacterial vaginosis. However, it is not a sexually transmitted disease due to the overgrowth of G. vaginalis. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include changes in the vaginal discharge, the fluid from the vagina looking white, gray, or green or smelling fishy, and a strong odor of fluid after sex or during periods. Bacterial vaginosis can be diagnosed through physical examination, laboratory culturing, and Gram staining. Furthermore, the treatment options for this condition may include oral or vaginal antibiotics such as clindamycin or metronidazole.
What are the Similarities Between Trichomonas and Gardnerella?
- Trichomonas and Gardnerella are two genera that contain pathogenic species causing human diseases.
- They can be found predominantly in the urogenital tract of humans.
- The human diseases caused by these pathogens can be diagnosed through physical examination and laboratory tests.
- The diseases they cause can be treated through antibiotics.
What is the Difference Between Trichomonas and Gardnerella?
Trichomonas is a genus of anaerobic excavate parasites that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, while Gardnerella is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. Thus, this is the key difference between Trichomonas and Gardnerella. Furthermore, Trichomonas is a genus classified under eukaryotes, while Gardnerella is a genus classified under prokaryotes. Trichomonas is a genus of protozoa, while Gardnerella is a genus of bacteria.
The infographic below presents the differences between Trichomonas and Gardnerella in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Trichomonas vs. Gardnerella
Trichomonas and Gardnerella are two genera that contain pathogenic species causing diseases in humans like trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. Trichomonas contains eukaryotic parasitic protozoan species, while Gardnerella contains prokaryotic bacterial species. Moreover, the transmission of trichomoniasis occurs through sexual intercourse. On the other hand, bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a disruption in the normal vaginal microflora. So, this summarizes the difference between Trichomonas and Gardnerella.
Reference:
1. Kissinger, Patricia. “Trichomonas Vaginalis: A Review of Epidemiologic, Clinical and Treatment Issues – BMC Infectious Diseases.” BioMed Central.
2. M, Kairys., N, Garg. “Gardnerella.” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Trichomonas May-Grünwald staining” By Dr Graham Beards – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Normal and BV flora” By Dr Graham Beards – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia