Aetiologic Agents of Vaginitis in Sexually Active Women in a Traditional Sprawling Town in the Niger Delta, South – South Nigeria
I. A. Atting *
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
M. A. Christopher
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
I. A. Onwuezobe
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
K. N. Opara
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeriav
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study investigated the prevalence of aetiologic agents of vaginitis in sexually active women and assessed the influence of some economic factors on the prevalence of these diseases.
Study Design: A total of 150 randomly selected women attending clinics in a General Hospital were involved in this research study. They all gave written informed consent prior to enrolment into this study.
Methodology: The study was based on microscopy and culture, including biochemical tests. Questionnaires were also administered.
Results: Higher prevalence of various aetiologic agents in pregnant women (p<0.05) was recorded. Primigravid women had a higher prevalence of Candida albicans when compared to other agents. It was found that pregnant women who used contraceptives prior to their recent pregnancies had more infections of Gardnerella vaginalis while non-pregnant women on antibiotics had increased prevalence of C. albicans. The highest prevalence of C. albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis co-infections was seen in pregnant women. Irrespective of the women’s status, none were co-infected with the three microbial agents.
Conclusion: The risks of reproductive health implications among pregnant women raise the dire need to eradicate these infections. Increased screening for pregnant women is therefore essential in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes among sexually active women. Emphasis should be placed on improved personal hygiene and other effective intervention programmes.
Keywords: Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, vaginitis