Trichomoniasis and associated co-infections of the genital tract among pregnant women presenting at two hospitals in Ghana

Richard H. Asmah, Harriet N.A. Blankson, Kekeli A. Seanefu, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, Georgina Awuah-Mensah, Momodou Cham, Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. Among pregnant women, the infection may cause adverse birth outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes and premature labour. In view of the paucity of information relating to TV among Ghanaian pregnant women, this study investigated its prevalence and associated co-infections among pregnant women. Methods: High vaginal swabs were obtained from 99 pregnant women using sterile cotton swab sticks. Wet preparation, Grams staining, culturing, coagulase and sensitivity testing were carried out to determine the presence of TV and associated microorganisms. Results: The prevalence of TV among the pregnant women was found to be 20.2% (n=20). Concurring with Trichomoniasis, 75% (n=15) of participants had other infections such as Candida with prevalence of 53% (n=8), Proteus infection-20% (n=3), Streptococcus infection-13% (n=2) and other GNRs and Gonococci having 7% each (n=1). Moreover, there was 86.9% (n=86) prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. among study participants. There was statistically significant correlation between TV and Gonococci infection at a correlation co-efficient of 0.107 (P<0.05) as well as significant correlation between TV and Proteus spp. at a correlation co-efficient of 0.189 (P<0.05). TV infection was high (60%) among the most sexually active age group (19 to 29 yrs). Conclusion: There was 20.2% prevalence of TV among the pregnant women presenting at the hospitals, with Gonococci and Proteus infections being statistically significant associated infections.

Original languageEnglish
Article number130
JournalBMC Women's Health
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Coinfections
  • Gonococci
  • Pregnant women
  • Proteus
  • Trichomonas vaginalis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Trichomoniasis and associated co-infections of the genital tract among pregnant women presenting at two hospitals in Ghana'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this