Romanian Journal of Infectious Diseases (Dec 2023)
Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection to women of reproductive age in Kosova
Abstract
Aim. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection to women of reproductive age in Kosova. Method. The study was carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristine, Kosova, between April and July 2022. The study population consists of a total of 207 women. Sexually active women aged 20 years and older were used for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to the participants to seek information such as age, marital status, occupation, and pregnancy status. Every woman's informed consent was sought before the collection of specimens by qualified medical personnel. The specimens were carefully and aseptically collected from the high vaginal area using well-labeled, sterile, non-abrasive high vaginal swab sticks. A few drops of normal saline were added to each swab stick, and a wet mount examination was performed within less than half an hour of collection in order to get optimal results. The wet preparation of the vaginal discharge was made by applying a drop from the sample to a small area of a clean glass slide with a cover slip in order not to trap air bubbles. The wet smear was examined microscopically for motile T. vaginalis with a low power objective (x10) and then with a high-power objective (x40). The vaginal secretion was characterized by the presence of epithelial cells, white blood cells, and red blood cells. The T. vaginalis trophozoite was identified by its oval, flagellated, and distinctive motility (jerky movement). Result. An overall prevalence rate of 12.56% was found in the Kosova. The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection differed from place to place. It varied as well among the age groups, showing highest prevalence in the age group 30-39 years at 13.63% and lowest in the age group 20-29 years 5.70%. The prevalence varied with marital groups, with divorced women being the highest at 30.76% and the lowest among singles at 6.74%. The prevalence rate was also observed to be highest among the employed 19.71% and lowest among the students 14.81% and unemployed 7.33%. T. vaginalis infection was only observed in non-pregnant women at a prevalence rate of 15.20%. Conclusion. T. vaginalis infection is prevalent in women of reproductive age, as evident in our country. The infection is common in sexually active female participants, especially those with multiple sex partners. Proper personal hygiene, faithfulness to one sexual partner, and massive public awareness on the prevention and control of T. vaginalis are advised to reduce its prevalence among women of reproductive age in our country.
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