Trichomoniasis is caused by which type of organism?

Trichomoniasis is caused by which type of organism?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Virus
• C. Protozoan
• D. Fungus

Answer: (C)

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan: Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled, flagellated eukaryote that lives in the genitourinary tract. Protozoa are distinct from bacteria because they are eukaryotic cells with a nucleus and organelles, and they’re distinct from viruses because viruses are non-cellular and require a host to replicate. They’re also different from fungi, which are eukaryotes with their own cellular structures like chitin in walls and often forms such as yeasts or molds. The key is recognizing that this pathogen is a single-celled, motile organism classified in the protozoa, rather than a prokaryotic bacterium, a virus, or a fungus.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan: Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled, flagellated eukaryote that lives in the genitourinary tract. Protozoa are distinct from bacteria because they are eukaryotic cells with a nucleus and organelles, and they’re distinct from viruses because viruses are non-cellular and require a host to replicate. They’re also different from fungi, which are eukaryotes with their own cellular structures like chitin in walls and often forms such as yeasts or molds. The key is recognizing that this pathogen is a single-celled, motile organism classified in the protozoa, rather than a prokaryotic bacterium, a virus, or a fungus.