Trichomoniasis- An Overlooked Sexually Transmitted Disease

Abstract

Background- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease of worldwide importance. Women infected during pregnancy are predisposed to premature labor, low birth weight infants and may amplify HIV transmission. Cervicovaginal smear examination is now considered an effective technique for early diagnosis of Trichomonasis. Aims and Objectives- To study the prevalence of Trichomonasis in Gwalior, role of cervicovaginal smear examination in it’s diagnosis and spectrum of disease in various age groups. Methodology- This is a retrospective study. Cases reported over the period of 5 years, from January 2010December 2014 are included in the study. Sample size was greater than 20000 cases and age group was between 20-70 years. The data of cervicovaginal smear examination reported in past five years were retrieved, compiled and analyzed. Results and Conclusions- Out of 24,292 cases reported, 372 (1.53%) females were positive for Trichomoniasis, with highest incidence found in women aged between 30-39 years (47.31%). Cervicovaginal smear examination with Leishman-Giemsa staining would help in early detection of Trichomoniasis which can prevent various complications in women chiefly in the reproductive age group.