Prevalence and risk factors of lower reproductive tract infections in symptomatic women in Dakar, Senegal
Authors
Diadhiou, Mohamed
Diallo, Awa Ba
Barry, Mamadou Saidou
Alavo, Serge Covi
Mall, Ibrahima
Gassama, Omar
Guèye, Mame Diarra Ndiaye
Fall, Amy Ndao
Gawa, Epainete
Diallo, Aissatou Gaye
Issue Date
2019-05-31
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Sexually Transmitted Infections , Vaginal Infection , Cervical Infection , Bacterial Vaginosis , Candidiasis
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background:
Lower reproductive tract infections in women are important causes of morbidity but can also lead to complications and sequelae. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and risk factors of lower genital tract infections among women of reproductive age in Dakar (Senegal).
Methods:
This was a prospective study conducted in 6 maternity hospitals from July to November 2015. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 49 years and presented at health facilities with signs and symptoms of genital infection. Consenting individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study.
Results:
During the reporting period, 276 patients were enrolled. According to the laboratory results, the prevalence of any genital infection was 69.6% (192 of 276). The most common vaginal infections were bacterial vaginosis (39.5%) and vaginal candidiasis (29%), with the third most common cause, trichomoniasis, trailing behind in terms of prevalence (2.5%). Among the microorganisms responsible for cervical infections, Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequent (27.5%), followed by Mycoplasma hominis (14.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4.7%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that young women and women with low levels of education were at increased risk for vaginal/cervical infections.
Conclusions:
This study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis and suggests that health care providers should increase awareness and communication to improve vaginal hygiene practices. If infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, C trachomatis or N gonorrhoeae is suspected, we also recommend systematically performing laboratory diagnostic confirmation.
Description
Citation
Diadhiou, M., Ba Diallo, A., Barry, M. S., Alavo, S. C., Mall, I., Gassama, O., Ndiaye Guèye, M. D., Ndao Fall, A., Gawa, E., Gaye Diallo, A., & Moreau, J. C. (2019). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Reproductive Tract Infections in Symptomatic Women in Dakar, Senegal. Infectious diseases, 12, 1178633719851825. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178633719851825
Publisher
Infectious Diseases