Transmission

Infection

• Trichomonas vaginalis is typically transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected individual.
• It can also be passed from a mother to her baby at birth, as evidenced by the discovery of the parasite in the newborn's lungs.
• Occasionally, trichomoniasis can be contracted from soiled towels, baths, and jacuzzis, but this occurs very rarely.
• You cannot contract trichomoniasis from toilet seats, kissing, or sharing utensils.
  

Reservoir and Vector

• There are no animal reservoirs or vectors of T. vaginalis.
• However, other species of Trichomonas do infect animals.

drawing of T. vaginalis
http://www.medicine.mcgill.ca/tropmed/txt/lecture1%20intest%20protozoa.htm