Socio-demographic, obstetric characteristics and molecular confirmation of <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> detected from pregnant women attending Kawo General Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Trichomoniasis is a widespread Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that can have detrimental consequences, including infection of the skin, endometrium, Bartholin glands, and fallopian tubes and ovaries (the adnexa of the uterus). This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) and T. vaginalis from vaginal swabs of pregnant patients attending Kawo general hospital in Kaduna state. A total of 250 high vaginal swab samples were randomly taken from consenting pregnant women attending antenatal. Structured questionnaires were used to collect participant demographic and medical data. Samples were analysed by wet mount preparation and T. vaginalis positive samples were confirmed using Polymerase Chains Reaction (PCR). Out of the 250 pregnant women that were examined, 24 (9.6%) were positive for T. vaginalis infection. T. vaginalis was detected more in age group 20-25 (9.4%), and among women of third trimester stage (11.4%). T. vaginalis infection was significantly associated with age, gravidation, education and occupation. Among the 24 pregnant women that tested positive for T. vaginalis infection, only 2 (8.0%) were without symptoms associated with vaginal trichomoniasis, while the remaining 22 (92.0%) presented symptoms such as vaginal odour (20%), itching and discomfort (32%) and greenish yellow vaginal discharge (92%). Molecular analysis confirmed 1 positive case out of the 5 samples randomly analysed. Trichomoniasis transmission to newborn infants could be avoided with better personal cleanliness, screening, and treatment for pregnant women who are affected.