HIGH PREVALENCE OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS AMONG HIV-INFECTED WOMEN ATTENDING HEALTH SERVICES IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA.
HIGH PREVALENCE OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS AMONG HIV-INFECTED WOMEN ATTENDING HEALTH SERVICES IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA. [Original Research]
Katakwe Alex BSc1, Yassa Pierre, PhD1/2, Hira Rajiv, MBBS3, Sarenje Kelvin, BSc2, Kantenga MS,MD2, Kaswa J, MD4,Ikembo Janine, BPH5 and Hira Subhash, MD,MPH6
1. University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Department of Dermatology and STIs, Lusaka, Zambia.
2.University of Zambia School of Medicine, Dept Biomedical Sciences, Lusaka, Zambia.
3. Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, USA.
4. University of Kinshasa, Congo.
5.University of East London,UK.
6. MGM University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, India.
[emedpub – International Infectious Diseases: Vol 1:10] [Date of Publication: 07.08.2013]
Abstract:
Objective. The prevalence of co-infections of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and HIV in women seeking health services in Lusaka, Zambia was determined in order to quantify the prevalence of T.vaginalis in HIV-infected and HIV-negative women, and identify their risk factors.
Methods. A cross-sectional, laboratory based study of women from socially marginalised communities in four peri-urban clinics and one referral hospital in Lusaka was conducted. HIV status was determined as per HIV test protocol after Voluntary Counselling and Testing. Immunological procedure for Rapid TV Test Kit (Device/Cassette) was used to detect the host’s antibodies against T.vaginalis soon after taking self-administered high vaginal swabs. Parasitological procedure was also done using high vaginal swabs and urine for wet mount microscopy.
Results. Among 472 women enrolled, 49.8% were HIV-infected. The prevalence of T.vaginalis in HIV-infected women was 65.5% as compared with 22.8% among HIV-negative women (p< 0.05). A total of 208/472 (44.1%) of women had Trichomonas vaginalis infection. However, yield of T.vaginalis by wet microscopy method was scanty 10%, possibly due to laboratory limitations. There was lack of culture and PCR facilities.
Conclusions. Significantly high prevalence of T. vaginalis was found in HIV positive women in this study. Trichomonad infection was associated with multiple sexual partners, unmarried status, low education level, suburb residency (compound-life), and unemployment. Prompt syndromic management is recommended for all women with vaginal discharges so as to improve their sexual health and reduce transmission of HIV.
[emedpub – International Infectious Diseases: Vol 1:10] [Date of Publication: 07.08.2013]