Prevalence of trichomonas vaginalis in pregnant women

Prevalence of trichomonas vaginalis in pregnant women

CHAPTER ONE

   INTRODUCTION

• Background of Study

Trichomonas vaginalisis a protozoan parasite and it is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide causing the curable sexually transmitted diseases called trichomoniasis (Auta et al., 2020; Secor et al., 2014). It has been recognized as a cosmopolitan parasite of genital tract of both male and female (Auta et al., 2020) with an annual prevalence of about 180 million cases in the world (WHO, 2020). Humans are the only known host with trophozoite transmitted principally via vaginal sexual intercourse, and rarely via formites (Mairiga et al., 2011).

Trichomonas vaginalis may be emerging as one of the most important cofactors in amplifying HIV transmission, particularly in African-American Communities of the United States, where they discovered in person co-infected with HIV, the pathology induced by Trichomonas vaginalis infection can increase HIV shedding; and infection may also act to expand the portal of entry for HIV in an HIV-negative person (Sam-Wobo et al., 2012). In Africa, Emarievcoe (2000) observed that about 20% of women attending family planning, antenatal or other clinics were infected.

Trichomonas vaginalis inhabits the female genital tract of females and urinary tract of males. In female it is accompanied by forthy-greenish yellow foul-smelling discharge, vulvo-vaginal secretion, dysuria and lower abdominal pain (Danladi et al., 2018). It is reported that the vaginal pH increases by shifting from a stronger acidic (3.8-4.2) to a weaker for (5.0-6.0) thereby being conducive for the growth of Trichomonas vaginalis. It has also been reported in pregnant women to cause premature rupture of the membrane, premature labour, low birth weight and post abortion infection (Soper, 2004). It also serves as a vector of other organism by carrying pathogens attached to their surface into fallopian tube.

A majority of women and a significant proportion of men with trichomoniasis are without any symptoms; these patients would thus escape detection and treatment under syndromic management recommendations. It is an unpleasant, irritating, and potentially dangerous disease that can go undiagnosed for years and is often passed on by an asymptomatic carrier. It is the world’s most common non-viral sexual transmitted diseases, and it is strongly associated with several complications in pregnancy and with an increase in the transmission of HIV (Choi et al., 2001).

Trichomonas vaginalis is likely the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. It is as an important source of reproduction morbidity, a facilitator of HIV transmission and acquisition, and thus it is an important public health problem. Despite its importance in human reproductive health and HIV transmission, it is not a reportable disease and surveillance is not generally done. This is problematic since most persons infected with Trichomonas vaginalis are asymptomatic. Metronidazole (MTZ) has been the treatment of choice for women for decades, and single dose has been considered the first line of therapy. However, high rates of retest positive are found among Trichomonas vaginalis infected persons after single dose metronidazole treatment. This has not been explained by drug resistance since in vitro resistance is only 2-5%. Treatment failure can range from 7-10% and even higher among women with HIV infection. Treatment efficacy may be influenced by vaginal ecology (Dunne, 2003).

• Statement of Problem

Trichomonas vaginalisis a protozoan parasite and it is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection of both male and female urogenital organs. This study investigates into its prevalence among pregnant women in Uyo.

• Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among women in Uyo.

Specific objectives include;

1. To determine the occurrence and epidemiology of Trichomoniasis among women in uyo.
2. To isolates and identify the causative agent of Trichomonasis using wet preparation method.

• To determine the age group that is mostly at risk or affected by trichomonads.