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Ginindza TG, Stefan CD, Tsoka-Gwegweni JM, Dlamini X, Jolly PE, Weiderpass E, Broutet N, Sartorius B. Prevalence and risk factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women of reproductive age in Swaziland. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:29. [PMID: 28559923 PMCID: PMC5445272 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0140-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain an important public health problem with approximately half a billion new cases annually among persons aged 15-49 years. Epidemiological data on STIs among women of reproductive age in Swaziland are limited. The availability of epidemiological data on STIs and associated risk factors in this population is essential for the development of successful prevention, diagnosis and management strategies in the country. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with STIs. METHODS A total of 655 women aged 15-49 years were systematically enrolled from five health facilities using a cross-sectional study design. Cervical specimen were tested using GeneXpert CT/NG Assays for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), GeneXpertTV Assay for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and GeneXpert HPV Assays for hr-HPV. Blood samples were tested using Alere Determine HIV-1/2Ag/Ab Combo and Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV test for confirmation for HIV, and Rapid Plasma Reagin and TPHA test for confirmation for Treponema pallidum (syphilis). Genital warts were assessed prior to specimen collection. Survey weighted analyses were done to estimate the population burden of STIs. RESULTS The four most common curable STIs: CT, NG, TV, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), as well as genital warts were considered in this study. The overall weighted prevalence of any of these five STIs was 19.4% (95% CI: 14.9-24.8), corresponding to 72 990 women with STIs in Swaziland. The estimated prevalences were 7.0% (95% CI: 4.1-11.2) for CT, 6.0% (95% CI: 3.8-8.8) for NG, 8.4% (95% CI: 5.4-12.8) for TV, 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1-10.2) for syphilis and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.0-11.4) for genital warts. The overall weighted HIV prevalence was 42.7% (95%CI: 35.7-46.2). Among hr-HPV positive women, 18.8% (95% CI: 13.1-26.3) had one STI, while 6.3% (95% CI: 3.3-11.7) had multiple STIs. Risk factors associated with STIs were being employed (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0-4.7), self-employed (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.5) and being hr-HPV positive (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1). Age (0.9, 95% CI: 0.8-0.9), being married (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7) and not using condoms with regular partners (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) were inversely associated with STIs. CONCLUSION STIs are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age in Swaziland. Thus, a comprehensive STIs screening, surveillance and treatment programme would be justified and could potentially lower the burden of STIs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themba G. Ginindza
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Joyce M. Tsoka-Gwegweni
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
| | - Xolisile Dlamini
- Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Pauline E. Jolly
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Institute of Population-Based Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nathalie Broutet
- World Health Organization; Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor George Campbell Building, Mazisi Kunene Road, 4041 Durban, South Africa
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Hussain Laghari A, Sultana V, Hussain Samoo A, Makhija P, Ara J, Hira. Prevalence and associated risk factors for syphilis in women with recurrent miscarriages. Pak J Med Sci 2014; 30:295-8. [PMID: 24772130 PMCID: PMC3998997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A Cross Sectional population based serological studies was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for syphilis women with recurrent miscarriages. METHODS Patient's 5ml whole blood was collected through venepuncture technique. Data were collected by all women answered a questionnaire and by investigating blood sample VDRL test and FTA-ABS test. The study was conducted in a confidential manner and numbers were used to identify the participant. RESULTS Total 256 women were included in the present study. Mean age of women was 29.4 years while range was 21 to 38 years (206/256). Out of the 256 samples, 05 (1.9%) were positive for active syphilis. Majority belonged to low socioeconomic group, uneducated and had previous congenital anomaly. CONCLUSION Active infection with Treponema pallidum (T.P) in women belonging to low socioeconomic level were disquieting. This is probably due to illiteracy and high proportion of unsafe sexual behavior. It is also suggestive that seropositive status is often discovered in routine serological studies during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Hussain Laghari
- Arshad Hussain Laghari, M.Phil Biochemistry, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Pakistan
| | - Viqar Sultana
- Viqar Sultana, PhD Biochemistry, Professor, Biotechnology and Drug Development Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan
| | - Akhtar Hussain Samoo
- Akhtar Hussain Samoo, FCPS Medicine,Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Pakistan
| | - Pirbhomal Makhija
- Pirbhomal Makhija, FCPS Medicine, Senior Registrar, Department of Medicine, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Pakistan
| | - Jehan Ara
- Jehan Ara. PhD, Professor, Postharvest Technology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hira
- Hira, Lecturer, Biotechnology and Drug Development Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan
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Blencowe H, Cousens S, Kamb M, Berman S, Lawn JE. Lives Saved Tool supplement detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy to reduce syphilis related stillbirths and neonatal mortality. BMC Public Health 2011; 11 Suppl 3:S9. [PMID: 21501460 PMCID: PMC3231915 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-s3-s9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally syphilis is an important yet preventable cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES This review sought to estimate the effect of detection and treatment of active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4 MU benzathine penicillin (or equivalent) on syphilis-related stillbirths and neonatal mortality. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Data were abstracted into standardised tables and the quality of evidence was assessed using adapted GRADE criteria. Where appropriate, meta-analyses were undertaken. RESULTS Moderate quality evidence (3 studies) supports a reduction in the incidence of clinical congenital syphilis of 97% (95% c.i 93 - 98%) with detection and treatment of women with active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4 MU penicillin. The results of meta-analyses suggest that treatment with penicillin is associated with an 82% reduction in stillbirth (95% c.i. 67 - 90%) (8 studies), a 64% reduction in preterm delivery (95% c.i. 53 - 73%) (7 studies) and an 80% reduction in neonatal deaths (95% c.i. 68 - 87%) (5 studies). Although these effect estimates were large and remarkably consistent across studies, few of the studies adjusted for potential confounding factors and thus the overall quality of the evidence was considered low. However, given these large observed effects and a clear biological mechanism for effectiveness the GRADE recommendation is strong. CONCLUSION Detection and appropriate, timely penicillin treatment is a highly effective intervention to reduce adverse syphilis-related pregnancy outcomes. More research is required to identify the most cost-effective strategies for achieving maximum coverage of screening for all pregnant women, and access to treatment if required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Cousens
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mary Kamb
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Stuart Berman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Saving Newborn Lives/Save the Children-USA, South Africa
- Health Systems Strengthening Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa
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Menéndez C, Castellsagué X, Renom M, Sacarlal J, Quintó L, Lloveras B, Klaustermeier J, Kornegay JR, Sigauque B, Bosch FX, Alonso PL. Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections and cervical neoplasia in women from a rural area of southern Mozambique. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2010; 2010:609315. [PMID: 20706691 PMCID: PMC2913799 DOI: 10.1155/2010/609315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the prevalence of cervical neoplasia in rural sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the prevalence and the etiology of STIs and the prevalence of cervical neoplasia among women in southern Mozambique. An age-stratified cross-sectional study was performed where 262 women aged 14 to 61 years were recruited at the antenatal clinic (59%), the family-planning clinic (7%), and from the community (34%). At least one active STI was diagnosed in 79% of women. Trichomonas vaginalis was present in 31% of all study participants. The prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis were 14% and 8%, respectively, and Syphilis was diagnosed in 12% of women. HPV DNA was detected in 40% of women and cervical neoplasia was diagnosed in 12% of all women. Risk factors associated with the presence of some of the STIs were being divorced or widowed, having more than one sexual partner and having the partner living in another area. A higher prevalence was observed in the reproductive age group and some of the STIs were more frequently diagnosed in pregnant women. STI control programs are a priority to reduce the STIs burden, including HIV and cervical neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Menéndez
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.
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Mycoplasma genitalium among young, urban pregnant women. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2010; 2010:984760. [PMID: 20379360 PMCID: PMC2850137 DOI: 10.1155/2010/984760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. As the consequences of Mycoplasma genitalium in pregnant women are unknown, we examined the relationship between prenatal M. genitalium infection and SAB.
Methods. The presence of M. genitalium was determined by PCR in urine from 82 women who subsequently experienced a SAB and 134 women who maintained their pregnancies past 22 weeks gestation. The relationships between M. genitalium and subsequent SAB, demographic, current pregnancy, and reproductive health history characteristics were evaluated.
Results. Compared to women without M. genitalium, women with M. genitalium were more likely to report nulliparity (41.7% versus 17.4%, P = .04), history of pelvic inflammatory disease (27.3% versus 8.8%, P = .08), prior C. trachomatis infection (63.6% versus 36.9%, P = .11,) and problems getting pregnant (18.2% versus 4.4%, P = .10). M. genitalium was not associated with SAB (AOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.2–3.8).
Conclusions. Pregnant women who test positive for M. genitalium do not have an increased risk of SAB but report a history of reproductive morbidities.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine serologic screening for syphilis is recommended for all pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. This study examined the results of routine antenatal syphilis screening at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS The results of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests were compiled for in 3270 pregnant women tested between October 2002 and March 2003 at King Khalid University Hospital. Any RPR reactivity observed in neat or diluted serum was considered positive and confirmed by a Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test. RESULTS Syphilis screening constituted 87% of RPR tests requested for all reasons during the study period. The majority of women (73%) were screened between 15 to 22 weeks of gestation. Of the 3270 women tested only one was found to have syphilis, a prevalence rate of 0.03%. CONCLUSION The prevalence of syphilis is extremely low in the antenatal care population at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh. This calls for a nation-wide survey to assess the need for continuation of antenatal syphilis screening with regards to its potential benefits and cost effectiveness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Shakoor
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Myer L, Wilkinson D, Lombard C, Zuma K, Rotchford K, Karim SSA. Impact of on-site testing for maternal syphilis on treatment delays, treatment rates, and perinatal mortality in rural South Africa: a randomised controlled trial. Sex Transm Infect 2003; 79:208-13. [PMID: 12794203 PMCID: PMC1744662 DOI: 10.1136/sti.79.3.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis remains a significant cause of preventable perinatal death in developing countries, with many women remaining untested and thus untreated. Syphilis testing in the clinic (on-site testing) may be a useful strategy to overcome this. We studied the impact of on-site syphilis testing on treatment delays and rates, and perinatal mortality. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial among seven pairs of primary healthcare clinics in rural South Africa, comparing on-site testing complemented by laboratory confirmation versus laboratory testing alone. Intervention clinics used the on-site test conducted by primary care nurses, with results and treatment available within an hour. Control clinics sent blood samples to the provincial laboratory, with results returned 2 weeks later. RESULTS Of 7134 women seeking antenatal care with available test results, 793 (11.1%) tested positive for syphilis. Women at intervention clinics completed treatment 16 days sooner on average (95% confidence interval: 11 to 21), though there was no significant difference in the proportion receiving adequate treatment at intervention (64%) and control (69%) clinics. There was also no significant difference in the proportion experiencing perinatal loss (3.3% v 5.1%; adjusted risk difference: -0.9%; 95% CI -4.4 to 2.7). CONCLUSIONS Despite reducing treatment delays, the addition of on-site syphilis testing to existing laboratory testing services did not lead to higher treatment rates or reduce perinatal mortality. However on-site testing for syphilis may remain an important option for improving antenatal care in settings where laboratory facilities are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Myer
- School of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town, and HIV Prevention and Vaccine Research Unit, Medical Research Council, South Africa
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Bique Osman N, Challis K, Folgosa E, Cotiro M, Bergström S. An intervention study to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes as a result of syphilis in Mozambique. Sex Transm Infect 2000; 76:203-7. [PMID: 10961199 PMCID: PMC1744159 DOI: 10.1136/sti.76.3.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To create and evaluate an alternative screening approach among pregnant women in order to reduce adverse pregnancy outcome as a result of syphilis in Mozambique. METHODS Four suburban antenatal clinics, two "control" and two "intervention" clinics, were compared regarding syphilis screening and treatment. Pregnant women with positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test (n = 929) were enrolled, 453 in the intervention and 476 in the control clinics. In control clinics the normal routine regarding syphilis screening was followed for 383 women remaining for follow up. In intervention clinics nurse midwives were trained to perform the RPR test. RPR seropositive cases were immediately treated on site by the nurse midwives and the partners were invited to come any afternoon for treatment. In the third trimester (around 30 weeks) a new RPR test was performed and all women with positive RPR test results were again treated and the partners were invited to come for treatment. RESULTS At delivery, the drop out rate was 15.7% in the intervention and 20.1% in the control group. The perinatal mortality was significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group, 3.4% v 1.3% (p = 0.030). At delivery the intervention group had significantly more negative RPR results--40.9% v 24.2% (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION More active training of nurse midwives in antenatal care to perform on site RPR tests, to give syphilis treatment, and to notify partners results in improved perinatal outcome and more seronegative parturient women.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bique Osman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Eduardo Mondlane University, Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
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Abstract
Syphilis can seriously complicate pregnancy and result in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, non-immune hydrops, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal death, as well as serious sequelae in liveborn infected children. While appropriate treatment of pregnant women often prevents such complications, the major deterrent has been inability to identify the infected women and get them to undergo treatment. Screening in the first trimester with non-treponemal tests such as rapid plasma reagin (RPR) or venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test combined with confirmation of reactive individuals with treponemal tests such as the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) assay is a cost effective strategy. Those at risk should be retested in the third trimester. Treatment during pregnancy should be with penicillin. In determining a penicillin regimen, the clinician must consider the stage of the maternal infection and the HIV status of the mother. Patients who are allergic to penicillin should be desensitized before treatment. Despite appropriate treatment, as many as 14% will have a fetal death or deliver infected infants. Treatment may further be complicated by the Jarich-Herxheimer reaction, a complex allergic response to antigens released from dead micro-organisms, which can cause fetal distress and uterine contractions. Thanks to effective intervention strategies and inexpensive penicillin, syphilis rarely complicates pregnancy in the Western world today. In parts of the world where the traditional sexually transmitted diseases have not been controlled, the magnitude of problems associated with syphilis during pregnancy is reminiscent of that faced by the West during the early 1900's.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Genç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.
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Folgosa E, Osman NB, Gonzalez C, Hägerstrand I, Bergström S, Ljungh A. Syphilis seroprevalence among pregnant women and its role as a risk factor for stillbirth in Maputo, Mozambique. Genitourin Med 1996; 72:339-42. [PMID: 8976849 PMCID: PMC1195700 DOI: 10.1136/sti.72.5.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the role of current syphilis as a risk factor for foetal death. METHODS Sera were obtained from 57 women with third trimester foetal death (cases) and 58 women with foetus alive (controls) matched for age and parity. All sera reactive in qualitative Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) analyses were tested with serial twofold dilutions to determine endpoint flocculation titres and tested with the micro-haemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum (MHA-TP). Placental biopsies were sectioned and stained by haematoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry for light microscopy. SETTING Central Hospital, in Maputo, Mozambique, from January 1990 to June 1991. RESULTS The MHA-TP was reactive in 42% of cases and in 12% of controls (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.9-15.4). The RPR card test was reactive at the dilution of 1.32 or greater in 28% of cases and in 7% of controls. All these results were confirmed by MHA-TP (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5-15.4). In 9/28 (32%) MHA-TP seroreactive women (7 cases and 2 controls) placental morphological changes indicated syphilitic infection. CONCLUSION MHA-TP seroreactivity and high titre RPR were associated with stillbirth. Morphological changes presumptive of syphilis infection were found in 32% placentas histologically studied. Syphilis is a risk factor for foetal death in Maputo, Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Folgosa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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