ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in Côte d'Ivoire to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with mycoplasma colonization. A positive culture was found in 400 of 551 women (73%); Ureaplasma urealyticum was identified in 22%, Mycoplasma hominis in 20% and both microorganisms in 31%. Mycoplasma colonization was not associated with genital symptoms or signs. Young age, low educational level, antimicrobial chemotherapy before consultation and presence of bacterial vaginosis were factors independently associated with M. hominis colonization. Among women colonized with M. hominis, HIV seroprevalence was 21% in women with high amounts of M. hominis (> or = 10(4) colour-changing units per ml) versus 7% in women with lower amounts (P=0.01). U. urealyticum was found more often in unmarried women and when pregnancy was less than 20 weeks. Mycoplasma colonization is frequent among pregnant women in Abidjan, but their pathogenicity requires further study.
Subject(s)
Genitalia, Female/microbiology , Mycoplasma Infections/epidemiology , Mycoplasma hominis/isolation & purification , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Ureaplasma Infections/epidemiology , Ureaplasma urealyticum/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Cote d'Ivoire/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Mycoplasma hominis/pathogenicity , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/microbiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Douching, a common practice, could further increase the risk of genital infections. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To describe douching practices in pregnant women and to evaluate associations with lower genital tract infections. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. RESULTS: Among 552 women included, douching before consultation was reported by 97% and was common practice for 98%. Intravaginal drying agents were used by 10%. Genital warts were less frequent for women who usually douched (p = 0.015). U. urealyticum infection was associated with douching and with the use of intravaginal agents. Diagnosis of genital infections was independent of douching with water or soap, but chlamydial infection was associated with douching with antiseptics, used by 14% of the women (p = 0.036). HIV infection was two times more frequent in women using antiseptics (p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: The study confirms the widespread practice of douching in African pregnant women. The harmful effects of antiseptics need to be substantiated.
