A color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph of Trichomonas vaginalis (green) and vaginal tissue (pink). Sequencing the genome of T. vaginalis has given the researchers gory reading material on some of the pathogen’s foul habits. The parasite latches onto vaginal tissue and forms tendril-like projections into it. The pathogen also secretes a series of proteins which destroy the vaginal epithelial cells, the cells that make up the vaginal tissue surface.
Credit: Antonio Pereira-Neves and Marlene Benchimol, Santa Ursula University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From: Science Volume 315, Number 5808, 12 January 2007 Draft Genome Sequence of the Sexually-Transmitted Pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis, Reprinted with permission from AAAS.
A team of scientists led by Jane Carlton, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Parasitology at New York University School of Medicine has sequenced the genome of the single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite causes the sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis, an under-diagnosed global public health problem.
Credit: Emilio F. Merino, Dept. of Medical Parasitology, NYU School of Medicine
As part of their genome project, the scientists created a logo to raise awareness about the public health urgency to better understand and combat T. vaginalis.
Credit: Lis Caler, Ph.D., The Institute for Genomic Research
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