The Epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans Co- Infections in Women Attending the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Vulvovaginitis is one of the most common problems in health care delivery, and constitutes one of the main purpose that drive women for obstetrics and gynecological consultations in developing countries. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of Gardnerellavaginitis, Candidaalbicans and Trichomonas vaginalis co-infection among women and to investigate the contributions of some socioeconomic factors on these infections. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2013 on 249 women attending the University Teaching Hospital Center Yaounde, Cameroon for gynecological, antenatal, and post natalreasons. The detection of Gardnerella vaginalis, Candidaalbicans and Trichomonas vaginalis was done microscopically using vaginal swabs. A structured questionnaires was used to collect participants` socioeconomic data. Data was analysed on SPSS. Results: 68.7% of the participants had genital infections including 41.0% forGardnerella vaginalis, 26.5% for Candidaalbicans, and 1.2% for Trichomonas vaginalis. Non-pregnant women had statiscally higher prevalence than pregnant women (P < 0.01). Women between 26-40 years had the highest prevalence of each pathogen, although this was not statistically significant. Prevalence was found to be significantly higher with increasing education although women with secondary education were found to have significant values than those with post-secondary education (P < 0.01).Conclusion: The high prevalence of genital infections warrants the implementation of constant health education and sensitization especially among women of child bearing age who are at risk of preterm labor or birth and low birth weight. Epidemiological analytical studies are necessary in this environment to shade more light on risk factors and control strategies.