Pattern of sexually transmitted infections in human immunodeficiency virus positive women attending antenatal clinics in north‑central Nigeria
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Date
2014
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent during pregnancy and may have adverse sequalae in both mother
and fetus. Interactions between these infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) synergize and may cause adverse pregnancy
outcomes and reverse the gains of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Objectives: The objective of this study is to
determine the prevalence of candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonococcal infection, syphilis, and bacterial vaginosis in HIV pregnant women
and compare with HIV negative controls. Materials and Methods: A case‑control study was conducted during the period from April to
December 2010 at the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and three Primary Health Centers
in Ilorin. A total of 160 HIV positive pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were recruited, along with the same number of HIV
negative matched controls. A structured proforma was used to collect information from patients, vaginal examination was performed
and samples were taken from the endocervix and the posterior vaginal fornix with swab sticks. Results: STIs were recovered from
142 women, giving overall prevalence of 44.4%. HIV infected women had a higher prevalence (60%) compared to uninfected (28.8%).
The most prevalent STI was vaginal candidiasis (29.1%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (9.7%), and trichomoniasis (5.6%). The
prevalence of candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis was higher among HIV positive pregnant women compared to HIV
negative controls (P < 0.05). No woman had syphilis or gonorrhea. Conclusion: The prevalence of candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis
and trichomoniasis was higher in HIV infected pregnant women compared to uninfected. Routine screening of HIV infected pregnant
women for these organisms is advocated.
Description
Keywords
Antenatal clinic, Human immunudefficiency virus + pregnant women, sexually Transmitted Infection