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.
