Prevalence of trichomoniasis among pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic in Bauchi state, Nigeria

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The infection may lead to some complication in pregnancy; it has been related with premature labor and low birth weight. High vaginal swabs (HVS) and urine samples, 100 each, were collected from consenting pregnant women and examined for the presence of T. vaginalis under the microscope using direct wet mount microscopy within 2 hours of collection. Out of 200 samples examined, 46 (23.0%) were found to be infected with T. vaginalis; 17(17%) in General Hospital Bayara and 29 (29%) in Specialist Hospital Bauchi. There is no significant difference in the hospitals used (P>0.05). Women in the age group 25-35 years had the highest prevalence rate of 27.4%, while the lowest rate of 7.1% was observed in women at the age group 36-45, but difference was statistically insignificant(P>0.05) among the age groups. Women in their second trimester had the highest prevalence rate of 24.5% while the lowest prevalence rate of 21% was noted among those in their third trimester. Comparing HVS and urine microscopy showed that HVS had a prevalence of 31% while urine had 15%; the difference in their detection was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). In relation to number of birth, women at first birth had the highest prevalence (34.4%) while the lowest prevalence (17.5%) was observed in women at second birth. These findings are useful for ante-natal care and protection against STDs. The need for improved personal hygiene and other intervention programmes among these vulnerable groups of women is advocated.