Difficult-to-treat trichomoniasis: results with paromomycin cream

Clin Infect Dis. 1998 Apr;26(4):986-8. doi: 10.1086/513951.

Abstract

Vaginal trichomoniasis poses a difficult therapeutic challenge when metronidazole is ineffective or contraindicated. We conducted a retrospective study of 6.25% paromomycin cream in the treatment of nine women referred with cases of vaginal trichomoniasis where metronidazole resistance or allergy was present. Results obtained immediately and 1 month after treatment were reviewed. The median age of the patients was 46 years; four women were nulliparous. The median symptom duration was 1 year. Five women were allergic to metronidazole. In four cases, resistance to high doses of metronidazole was demonstrated. Smears or cultures were positive immediately after treatment for three patients; a fourth relapsed 2 weeks later. Of these patients for whom treatment failed, one was cured with a 3-week course of paromomycin cream, and another was successfully treated with paromomycin cream and oral tinidazole. Three patients developed vaginal ulcerations that resolved spontaneously. Adverse effects may be a result of local formulation. Paromomycin cream was useful for treatment of cases of trichomonas infection where metronidazole resistance or allergy was encountered.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antitrichomonal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Paromomycin / adverse effects
  • Paromomycin / therapeutic use*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trichomonas Infections / drug therapy*
  • Vaginal Diseases

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antitrichomonal Agents
  • Paromomycin