ABSTRACT
Introduction: The study sought to ascertain the prevalence of the aetiological agents of genital discharge and genital ulcer diseases in Maputo; Mozambique. Methodology: Consecutive consenting patients presenting to the Centro de Saude do Porto in Maputo between March and April 2005 with genital discharge syndrome and/or genital ulcer diseases were recruited. Specimens were collected for the identification of STI pathogens. Results: Of 346 recruited patients; 164 were male and 182 female. The prevalence of confirmed single aetiological agents for male urethritis was as follows: N. gonorrhoeae; 35; C. trachomatis; 10; and M. genitalium 4. For vaginal discharge; N. gonorrhoeae was found in11of the women tested; followed by C. trachomatis (6.5); bacterial vaginosis (34); and T. vaginalis (2). The prevalence of genital ulcers was as follows: Herpes simplex virus type 2; 62; H. ducreyi 4; and C. trachomatis biovar LGV; 4. Five percent of patients with genital ulcers had a positive syphilis serology (RPR = 1:8 and confirmed by TPHA) and 35of all tested patients were HIV-1/2 infected. Cases of mixed infections were present in 5; 11and 3of patients with male urethritis; vaginal discharge; and genital ulcers respectively. Conclusion: The classic sexually transmitted infection aetiologies are still prevalent in Maputo. The study highlights the need for a periodic surveillance to inform syndromic management protocols