High seroprevalence of syphilis infection among pregnant women in Yiregalem hospital southern Ethiopia

Anteneh Amsalu,Getachew Ferede,Demissie Assegu

doi:10.1186/s12879-018-2998-8

Anteneh Amsalu, Getachew Ferede + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-018-2998-8

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Journal: BMC infectious diseases	Publication Date: Mar 6, 2018
Citations: 20	License type: open-access

Affiliation: University of Gondar, Hawassa University

Abstract

BackgroundDespite availability of effective treatment and the implementation of focused antenatal care (ANC), still the prevalence of syphilis persists in Ethiopia. Yet, data is not found in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors of syphilis among pregnant women in Yiregalem Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women from October 2015 to August 2016. Data on socio-demography and obstetric conditions of pregnant women were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were screened for syphilis using rapid plasma regain (RPR) test and those found seropositive were further confirmed by Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) test following the manufacturer’s instruction. HIV results were reviewed from records. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.ResultsOf 494 pregnant women, 204(41.3%) were first ANC visit attenders. Of these, 123(60.3%) were after the 12th gestational week. Sero-prevalence of syphilis and HIV was found to be 5.1% (25/494; 95 CI, 3.2-7.1%) and 10.3% (51/494; 95 CI, 7.7-13.2%), respectively. The overall prevalence of syphilis and HIV co-infection was 2.2% (11/494). Women with HIV infection were significantly more likely to be syphilis-seropositive (AOR = 10.3, 95%CI, 4.213-25.185) than HIV negatives.ConclusionsHigh seroprevalence of syphilis particularly among HIV positive women and late first ANC visit attenders in the study area calls for further ramping up of current intervention measures. Like integration of syphilis testing and treatment to the already established HIV prevention program and creating awareness about early ANC visit and follow-up.

Highlights

Despite availability of effective treatment and the implementation of focused antenatal care (ANC), still the prevalence of syphilis persists in Ethiopia
In attempting to enhance the statistical power of detecting the rate difference by exposure status, we investigated a total of 500 pregnant women, prospectively
Higher seroprevalence of syphilis was reported among ANC attendees in Tanzania(7.2%) [25], and Zambia(8.2%) [26] and in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in different parts of Ethiopia(7.3-9.8%) [7, 8]

Summary

Introduction

Despite availability of effective treatment and the implementation of focused antenatal care (ANC), still the prevalence of syphilis persists in Ethiopia. Widely available and affordable screening methods and treatment, syphilis remains a public health problem in pregnant women worldwide in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) [1, 2]. An estimated 2.7% (0.1–10.3%) of pregnant women in SSA are infected with syphilis, representing more than 900,000 pregnancies at risk each year [1]. Patients with concurrent HIV infection are thought to be at increased risk of neurological complications and treatment failure [11]. Ethiopia is among the three SSA countries with the highest numbers of Amsalu et al BMC Infectious Diseases (2018) 18:109 adverse pregnancy outcomes [12].

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