Serodynamics Of Treponema Pallidum In Serum Of Pregnant Women In Benin City

Abstract

Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis has been a public health challenge for centuries. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are widespread in the developing countries, and constitute a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Information regarding the prevalence of syphilis in Pregnant Nigerian women is scanty from the South-south zone of Nigeria. Ten thousand six hundred and eighty antenatal clinic patients who attended the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital from January 2006 to December 2008 were screened for syphilis using Venereal Diseased Research Laboratory (VDRL) reactive technique. All those that were positive with this method were confirmed with immunochromatographic test strips which are specific for Treponema pallidum. 157(1.5%) out of the ten thousand six hundred and eighty (10,680) were positive for antibody to Treponema pallidum. The serodynamic of Treponema pallidum in relation to age showed an increase in infection rate of 1.8% and 1.6% among pregnant women in age groups of (23-27) and (28-32) respectively, while 48-52 years age group had a zero percent prevalence of the organism, There was no statistical difference in the seroevidence of Treponema pallidum in the years under investigation (P>0.05). It is therefore suggested and advised that due to the adverse pregnancy outcome caused by Treponema pallidium, the screening of antenatal clinic patients should be made mandatory in both urban and rural healthcare centres where there is antenatal care and management. Keywords: Treponema pallidum Serology, Pregnant women.