<em>Trichomonas tenax</em> detected in pleural effusion fluid: A case report

Wang,Jinxia; Zhao,Qianqian; Li,Dongxu; Ning,Yongzhong; Duan,Lizhong; Zhang,Junge; Yang,Yuting; Ji,Aifang

doi:10.3892/br.2024.1909

Trichomonas tenax detected in pleural effusion fluid: A case report

Authors:
- Jinxia Wang
- Qianqian Zhao
- Dongxu Li
- Yongzhong Ning
- Lizhong Duan
- Junge Zhang
- Yuting Yang
- Aifang Ji
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Affiliations: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China, Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), Xi'an, Shanxi 710032, P.R. China, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital, Beijing 100020, P.R. China, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangshan Red Cross Taiwan Compatriot Hospital, Xiangshan, Zhejiang 315700, P.R. China
Published online on: December 10, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2024.1909
Article Number: 31
Copyright: © Wang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Trichomonas tenax is predominant in dental caries and is commonly observed in patients with oral diseases; however, its presence in patients with pleural effusion remains rare. Pleural effusion can arise from various causes, including malignant tumors, tuberculosis and bacterial infections. Concurrent infections involving bacteria, fungi and Trichomonas are infrequent. This scenario is particularly rare in patients with tumor‑associated Trichomonas tenax infection. The current study presents a case of Trichomonas tenax infection in a patient with a lung tumor. The patient, a 71‑year‑old male, experienced symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and expectoration following surgery for a right lung tumor. The expectorated sputum was white and sticky, making coughing difficult. The patient had a history of a prior right lung tumor resection and was subsequently admitted to Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College (Changzhi, China). Routine examination of the pleural effusion fluid revealed the presence of Trichomonas tenax under a wet‑film microscope. Molecular sequencing confirmed that the isolate was Trichomonas tenax. This case highlights Trichomonas tenax as a potential opportunistic pathogen in patients with lung cancer, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness. This study offers valuable insights for the diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases among patients with cancer in the future.

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