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Masha SC, Wahome E, Vaneechoutte M, Cools P, Crucitti T, Sanders EJ. High prevalence of curable sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women in a rural county hospital in Kilifi, Kenya. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175166. [PMID: 28362869 PMCID: PMC5375155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women attending antenatal care (ANC) in resource-limited countries are frequently screened for syphilis and HIV, but rarely for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed the prevalence of curable STIs, defined as infection with either Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis, from July to September 2015. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, women attending ANC at the Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya, had a urine sample tested for C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae by GeneXpert® and a vaginal swab for T. vaginalis by culture. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was defined as a Nugent score of 7-10 of the Gram stain of a vaginal smear in combination with self-reported vaginal discharge. Genital ulcers were observed during collection of vaginal swabs. All women responded to questions on socio-demographics and sexual health and clinical symptoms of STIs. Predictors for curable STIs were assessed in multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 42/202 (20.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI):15.4-27.0) women had a curable STI. The prevalence was 14.9% for C. trachomatis (95% CI:10.2-20.5), 1.0% for N. gonorrhoeae (95% CI: 0.1-3.5), 7.4% for T. vaginalis (95% CI:4.2-12.0), 19.3% for BV (95% CI: 14.1-25.4) and 2.5% for genital ulcers (95% CI: 0.8-5.7). Predictors for infection with curable STIs included women with a genital ulcer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 35.0, 95% CI: 2.7-461.6) compared to women without a genital ulcer, women who used water for cleaning after visiting the toilet compared to those who used toilet paper or other solid means (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI:1.5-11.3), women who reported having sexual debut ≤ 17 years compared to women having sexual debut ≥18 years (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.1-6.6), and BV-positive women (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.1-6.6) compared to BV-negative women. CONCLUSION One in five women attending ANC had a curable STI. These infections were associated with genital ulcers, hygiene practices, early sexual debut and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chengo Masha
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pwani University, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Wahome
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The global epidemiology of Haemophilus ducreyi infections is poorly documented because of difficulties in confirming microbiological diagnoses. We evaluated published data on the proportion of genital and nongenital skin ulcers caused by H. ducreyi before and after introduction of syndromic management for genital ulcer disease (GUD). Before 2000, the proportion of GUD caused by H. ducreyi ranged from 0.0% to 69.0% (35 studies in 25 countries). After 2000, the proportion ranged from 0.0% to 15.0% (14 studies in 13 countries). In contrast, H. ducreyi has been recently identified as a causative agent of skin ulcers in children in the tropical regions; proportions ranged from 9.0% to 60.0% (6 studies in 4 countries). We conclude that, although there has been a sustained reduction in the proportion of GUD caused by H. ducreyi, this bacterium is increasingly recognized as a major cause of nongenital cutaneous ulcers.
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Muralidhar S, Talwar R, Anil Kumar D, Kumar J, Bala M, Khan N, Ramesh V. Genital Ulcer Disease: How Worrisome Is It Today? A Status Report from New Delhi, India. JOURNAL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES 2013; 2013:203636. [PMID: 26316954 PMCID: PMC4437428 DOI: 10.1155/2013/203636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives. Genital ulcer diseases represent a diagnostic dilemma, especially in India, where few STI clinics have access to reliable laboratory facility. The changing STI trends require that a correct diagnosis be made in order to institute appropriate treatment and formulate control policies. The objective of this study was to determine recent trends in aetiology of genital ulcers, by using accurate diagnostic tools. Methods. Specimens from 90 ulcer patients were processed for dark field microscopy, stained smears, culture for H. ducreyi, and real-time PCR. Blood samples were collected for serological tests. Results. Prevalence of GUD was 7.45 with mean age at initial sexual experience as 19.2 years. Use of condom with regular and nonregular partners was 19.5% and 42.1%, respectively. Sexual orientation was heterosexual (92.2%) or homosexual (2.2%). There were 8 cases positive for HIV (8.9%). Herpes simplex virus ulcers were the commonest, followed by syphilis and chancroid. There were no cases of donovanosis and LGV. Conclusions. A valuable contribution of this study was in validating clinical and syndromic diagnoses of genital ulcers with an accurate aetiological diagnosis. Such reliable data will aid treatment and better define control measures of common agents and help eliminate diseases amenable to elimination, like donovanosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumathi Muralidhar
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Centre, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Richa Talwar
- Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Deepa Anil Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Joginder Kumar
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Centre, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Manju Bala
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Centre, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Nilofar Khan
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Centre, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - V. Ramesh
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Centre, VMMC & Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi 110029, India
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Mbata TI, Onile BA, Agbonlahor DE, Odugbemi TO, Anukam K, Onyedum U, Orji MU. Diagnosis and Management of Chancroid in Nigeria. Malawi Med J 2004; 16:19-21. [PMID: 27528984 PMCID: PMC3345501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a broad group of venereal disease that is referred to as the "Tropical Venereal Disease". They are so-called because they are most frequently seen in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Among them are conditions like chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV or climatic bubo) and granuloma inguinale (chronic venereal sores). Chancroid is variously called "soft sore" or "soft chancre" because it bleeds easily and "ulcus moile".1 It is an acute infection and auto-innoculable disease. The extent of chancroid genital ulceration in Nigeria is greater in the Northern partly due to permissive sexual practices especially for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Mbata
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - B A Onile
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - D E Agbonlahor
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - T O Odugbemi
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - K Anukam
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - U Onyedum
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - M U Orji
- Department Of Applied Microbiology And Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Abstract
Donovanosis, a chronic cause of genital ulceration, has recently been the subject of renewed interest after a long period of relative obscurity. The causative organism, Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, has been cultured for the first time in many years and a polymerase chain reaction diagnostic using a colorimetric detection system has been developed. Phylogenetic analysis confirms close similarities with the genus Klebsiella and a proposal made that C granulomatis be reclassified as Klebsiella granulomatis comb nov. Azithromycin has emerged as the drug of choice and should be used if the diagnosis is confirmed or suspected. In donovanosis endemic areas, syndromic management protocols for genital ulceration may need to be adapted locally. A significant donovanosis epidemic was reported in Durban from 1988-97 but the current status of this epidemic is unclear. The donovanosis elimination programme among Aboriginals in Australia appears successful and is a model that could be adopted in other donovanosis endemic areas. Overall, the incidence of donovanosis seems to be decreasing. Increased attention would undoubtedly be paid to donovanosis if policy makers recognised more readily the importance of genital ulcers in fuelling the HIV epidemic.
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O'Farrell N, Hoosen AA. Sexually transmitted diseases in South Africa: epidemic donovanosis in Durban? Genitourin Med 1997; 73:76. [PMID: 9155564 PMCID: PMC1195768 DOI: 10.1136/sti.73.1.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Abstract
AIM To review the epidemiology of and data collection for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in South Africa. METHODS Literature published since 1980 on STDs in South Africa were complied and evaluated. Historical reports and salient unpublished literature were also used in the literature review. Studies were critically reviewed in the light of sample populations and study methods, and a baseline picture of the patterns of STD burden was developed. RESULTS The STD burden in apparently asymptomatic study populations is significant. Ulcerative infections, primarily caused by syphilis and chancroid, are present in 5-15% of asymptomatic clinic attenders; prevalence rates of gonorrhoea average 8%, with up to 13% of gonococcal isolates resistant to penicillin antibiotics. In addition, on average, chlamydia and vaginal infections are detected in 16% and 20-49%, respectively, of antenatal and family planning clinic attenders. HIV seroprevalence rates have reached 7.6% in antenatal clinic attenders. Most South African STD data are derived from ad hoc surveys which have traditionally focused only on several major infections and particular urban centres. Almost all STD studies have been facility-based, with many studies based at STD clinics, thus reporting only relative frequencies and not population-based prevalences of STDs. With the possible exception of HIV, systematic surveillance data for STDs are conspicuously lacking. CONCLUSION The disease burden of classic sexually transmitted infections has historically been heavy, and continues to be a serious public health problem in South Africa. Morbidity from both ulcerative and non-ulcerative infections, particularly in women, is significant. The body of STD data, although mostly sound, remains incomplete, and with the rapid emergence of HIV in South Africa, surveillance of STDs and focused STD policies will be critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Pham-Kanter
- National AIDS Research Programme, Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa
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O'Farrell N. Global eradication of donovanosis: an opportunity for limiting the spread of HIV-1 infection. Genitourin Med 1995; 71:27-31. [PMID: 7750949 PMCID: PMC1195365 DOI: 10.1136/sti.71.1.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Genital ulcer disease (GUD) is well recognised in the developing world as a co-factor for heterosexual HIV transmission. Men with GUD are an important high frequency HIV transmitter core group in the general population but few interventions have targeted such individuals so far. Donovanosis is an uncommon GUD with low infectivity characterised by large ulcers that bleed readily and has been identified as a risk factor for HIV in men in Durban, South Africa. Donovanosis is also endemic in Papua New Guinea, India, Brazil and amongst the Aboriginal community in Australia. This curious geographical distribution is unique to any of the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and might lend itself to control measures not tried previously. In the 1950-60s a global eradication programme was successfully introduced against yaws but this strategy has not been implemented against any of the STD. Donovanosis is a symptomatic disease usually diagnosed on clinical grounds and could be targeted for eradication. Any programme would need to be community-based and require co-operation with both hospital doctors, private general practitioners, nurses, primary health care workers, pharmacists and traditional healers. Donovanosis is usually treated by readily available antibiotics but treatment failure may occur in advanced HIV disease. Drug compliance is often a problem but may be improved by counselling. Early implementation of an eradication programme targeting men with donovanosis could have a significant impact in limiting the spread of HIV in donovanosis-endemic countries and would pre-empt the possibility of both the emergence of drug resistance and treatment failure in individuals with immune impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N O'Farrell
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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Bogaerts J, Vuylsteke B, Martinez Tello W, Mukantabana V, Akingeneye J, Laga M, Piot P. Simple algorithms for the management of genital ulcers: evaluation in a primary health care centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Bull World Health Organ 1995; 73:761-7. [PMID: 8907769 PMCID: PMC2486690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 patients presenting with genital ulcers at a primary health care centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Using clinical data and the results of a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test, we simulated the diagnostic outcome of two simple WHO flowcharts for the management of genital ulcers. These outcomes and a clinical diagnosis were then compared with the laboratory diagnosis based on culture for genital herpes and Haemophilus ducreyi and serology for syphilis. The prevalence of HIV infection was high (73%) but there was no difference between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in the clinical presentation and etiology of genital ulcer disease. The proportion of correctly managed chancroid and/or syphilis cases was 99% using a syndromic approach, 82.1% using a hierarchical algorithm including an RPR test, and 38.3% with a clinical diagnosis. In situations where no laboratory support is available, a simple syndromic approach is preferable to the clinical approach for the management of genital ulcer. If an RPR test can be included in the diagnostic strategy, patients with a reactive RPR test should be treated for both syphilis and chancroid infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bogaerts
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier de Kigali and Belgo-Rwandan Medical Cooperation, Rwanda
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