Pattern of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in North-Central Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent during pregnancy and may have adverse sequalae in both mother and fetus. Interactions between these infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) synergize and may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes and reverse the gains of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of candidiasis; trichomoniasis; gonococcal infection; syphilis; and bacterial vaginosis in HIV pregnant women and compare with HIV negative controls. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted during the period from April to December 2010 at the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and three Primary Health Centers in Ilorin. A total of 160 HIV positive pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were recruited; along with the same number of HIV negative matched controls. A structured proforma was used to collect information from patients; vaginal examination was performed and samples were taken from the endocervix and the posterior vaginal fornix with swab sticks. Results: STIs were recovered from 142 women; giving overall prevalence of 44.4. HIV infected women had a higher prevalence (60) compared to uninfected (28.8). The most prevalent STI was vaginal candidiasis (29.1); followed by bacterial vaginosis (9.7); and trichomoniasis (5.6). The prevalence of candidiasis; bacterial vaginosis; and trichomoniasis was higher among HIV positive pregnant women compared to HIV negative controls (P 0.05). No woman had syphilis or gonorrhea. Conclusion: The prevalence of candidiasis; bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis was higher in HIV infected pregnant women compared to uninfected. Routine screening of HIV infected pregnant women for these organisms is advocated