Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and its correlation with socio-demographic variables in pregnant women in Al-Diwaniya, Iraq

Abstract

Estimates of Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in pregnant women are variable with few studies in Iraq. T. vaginalis is a worldwide prevalent sexually transmitted infection, but fortunately, it is very treatable. Researchers believed that pregnancy is one of the effective factors for T. vaginalis infection in women. A cross-sectional study performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Diwaniya city on two hundred female pregnant patients between the ages of 16–45 years. These females had no intercourse for 2–3 days, not using drugs (antibiotics, antiprotozoal or steroids) for the last 15 days. Vaginal discharges of any type with or without itching, burning sensation or both were their main complaints. Vaginal swabs were taken from all participating patients for direct wet mount microscopy and culture for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The study showed that twelve out of two hundred examined pregnant women (6%) presented with T. vaginalis infection. The infection was more in those with mothers’ age (26–35) years, housewives, low education, higher parity, and of rural residents. Other maternal variables were not significantly associated with T. vaginalis infection. The study showed a prevalence of (6%) of T. vaginalis infection in pregnant female attendees. Infection was more in those with mothers ’age (26–35) years, housewives, low educational level, higher parity, and living in rural areas.