Abstract

A study of Trichomonas vaginalis in Korean military personnel, based on the discovery of motile trophozoites by prostate culture and urine wet smear methods, has been carried out during the period from May, 1975 to October, 1977. In the Army General Hospital clinics, specimens of prostatec secretion and urine were provided by the in- and out-patients without any noticeable genito-urinary symptoms. In a total of 977 specimens 33 cases were revealed positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. Of these, 23 cases were positive in both prostate culture and urine wet smear methods, 8 positive in the culture but negative in the wet smear, and 2 positive only in the wet smear. In comparing the demonstration rates for trichomonads by culture with those by smears, the former was more likely to give a positive result than the latter. The pattern of the incidence rate by age group was appreciably varied; 2.1 per cent in the 20-24 age group and 5.1 per cent from 25 to 29 and subsequently increased and reached a maximum of 5.7 per cent in the 40 and over age group. It was found that Trichomonas vaginalis in Korean military personnel is one of the important diseases with a high indicence, and that the eradication of this disease is possible with extensive public health education and the administration of specific therapeutic agents to patients with trichomoniasis.