PREVALENCE OF TRICHOMONIASIS IN WOMEN: ISFAHAN 1995

Abstract

Introduction: Trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis ) is the second cause of vaginitis after bacterial infections and the most prevalent non virel sexually transmitted disease. Considering the differences in the prevalence of infection in other countries and the lack of any study of frequency of infection in Isfahan in the last 20 years in this survey the frequency of infection with T. vaginalis in women attending to health care centers and the relationship between infection and demoghraphic factors and clinical signs was studied.
Methods: The diagnosis of Trichomoniasis was made by wet mount examination and culture of vaginal discharge in 470 women attending to three health care centers in Isfahan. The relationship between the results obtained and clinical signs and demographics factors determined by questionnaires, interviews, and physical examinations was investigated.
Results: From 470 women, in 7 (1.49 percent) and 9 (1.92 percent) cases indentified T.vaginalis in wet mount and culture respectively. Statistical methods showed no significant relationship between Trichomoniasis and age, Use of specific contraceptive method, and vaginal pH (for those with no clinical signs) (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant relationship was observed between Trichomoniasis and pruritus, irritation of vulva, frothy discharge, vaginitis and vaginal pH (in women with clinical signs). (P<0.05).
Discussion: A comparison between the results of the present study and the previous ones showed a significant decrease in the frequency of T.vaginalis in Isfahan. This dicrease may be due to some changes in the social behaviors and more comitment to the Islamic principles. It seems that there is no direct relationship between Trichomoniasis and age but pH changes may be one of the factors involved in Trichomoniasis.