PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 6, No. 2, August 2022
Pages 507-512
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/2202/60.0290
Trichomoniasis among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Lydia E. Udofia1* and Etanguno E. Owowo2
1Department of Zoology, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom State.
2Department of Microbiology, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom State.
Abstract
Background: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease detrimental to pregnant women. They are prone to vaginal pH increase during pregnancy, creating a conducive environment for the parasite. This study assessed the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among pregnant women attending an ante-natal clinic in Immanuel General Hospital Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Methods: Pre-designed questionnaires were administered to randomly selected pregnant women aged 18-49. High vaginal swabs were collected from each participant, and T. vaginalis was diagnosed using wet mount and Giemsa-stained microscopy method.
Results: Of the 200 samples collected, 28 (14%) were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection was highest among the age group 26-35 years, with a prevalence of 22 (78.57%). A higher prevalence of 16 (57.14%) was observed among women with elevated vaginal pH (>4.5) than those with lower pH (<4.5). The distribution of T. vaginalis by clinical manifestation revealed that all the positive women (28; 27.7%) had vaginal discharge and 11(14.3%) experienced itching. Few women experienced Dysuria (4;22.2%) and Dyspareunia (2; 10%). Chi-square analysis showed a significant difference in the age group (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: Routine screening of all pregnant women is recommended so that appropriate treatment can be administered early to avoid childbirth complications due to this disease. There is also a need for routine health talks on personal hygiene and safe sex practices.
Keywords: Trichomoniasis, High vaginal swab, Pregnant women, Vaginitis