ABSTRACT

T. vaginalis that invades the urogenital system is widely seen in every part of the world and is a parasite that spreads through sexual contact or in other indirect ways. Some indirect ways that T. vaginalis might spread are toilet furnishings, toilet paper, toilet seats, moist clothing bath tubs and some contaminated materials used during gynecological examinations. It has been found that small, neglected swimming pools filled with thermal or tap water and that are used by a large number of people at the same time may also play a role in the spread of this parasite. The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival of T. vaginalis in different environments and at different temperatures and in this way to determine the materials that might transfer it indirectly as well as to determine the effect of the temperature on the spread of this parasite. The determined survival of T. vaginalis in its environment is the maximum period in which it is able to live without losing its ability to reproduce. With respect to the indirect transmission of T. vaginalis, it has been determined that T. vaginalis is able to live for a maximum of 4-6 hours on materials such as gloves, forceps, speculums and toilet seats; 16 hours in the city water supply and well water; and 6-52 hours in urine, semen, bandage gauze, toilet paper and sponges at 25O C. As a result of this study, it has been shown that water, semen, urine, gloves, speculums, pliers, bandage gauze, toilet paper, sponges and toilet seats provide a suitable environment for the transmission of T. vaginalis.