Prevalence of Trichomoniasis among Reproductive-aged Women in Taiz city, Yemen

Abstract

Trichomoniasis is an extremely common infection worldwide. This sexually transmitted disease results
from infection with flagellated protozoa named Trichomonas vaginalis. It is principally infects the
squamous epithelium in the urogenital tract. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of
trichomoniasis, symptoms and signs that associated with T. vaginalis infection among reproductive-age
women in Taiz City. 400 samples of vagina swabs from married women in their childbearing period (15-45)
years old were examined to investigate the status of trichomoniasis. The vaginal swab containing vaginal
fluids was kept in tube containing 3 ml sterile Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), pH: 7.2, for testing by wet
mount microscopy and Giemsa staining to diagnose T. vaginalis. Laboratory examination results showed
that the prevalence of trichomoniasis was 7 (1.75%) specimens from 400 were positive for T. vaginalis, it
was found that the rate of infection was recorded in non-pregnant women (2.73%) compared to no infection
in the pregnant women. Assessment of infection rate among different age groups demonstrated that the
higher infection rate was in the ages of 35-45 years old. Regarding to the residency, the prevalence rate of
trichomoniasis was equal in both women inhabit urban areas and those inhabit rural areas (2.04%).
Infection rate of trichomoniasis is low among reproductive-aged women in Taiz City; non-pregnant women
were the most affected group than pregnant women.