There is no cyst in the life cycle, so transmission is via the trophozoite stage. Most people infected with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic. Symptomatic infections are characterized by a white discharge from the genital tract and itching.
Diagnosis depends on finding trophozoites in secretions of the genital tract from men or women.
A trophozoite of Trichomonas vaginalis from culture. The four flagella and single nucleus are visible. Two trophozoites of Trichomonas vaginalis .