Demographic Variations in the Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections among Females Attending Healthcare Facilities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are two pathogens of public health importance, which are sexually transmitted, highly prevalent, underdiagnosed and affecting millions of people globally. This study was aimed at finding out the prevalence of T. vaginalis and N. gonorrhoeae among females in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: This cross-sectional, retrospective study reviewed medical laboratory records of 351 females attending public and private healthcare facilities including walk-in patients in a medical laboratory facility. The records covered High Vaginal Swab (HVS) and endocervical swabs (ECS) and cultures, with complete information on demographic characteristics and microbiological isolates.

Results: The overall prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 1.7%; all the Trichomonas vaginalis were detected in HVS samples with a prevalence of 1.4%, while all the Neisseria gonorrhoeae were isolated from the ECS specimens at a prevalence of 3.4%. The highest prevalence among the age bracket was the 16-20 age group (3.9%), and the least prevalence was in the 31-35 age bracket (1.1%). The residents of low-density urban areas had a lower prevalence of 1.1% while the high-density areas had 1.9%, married women were observed with prevalence of 3.4%, and single females 2.1%.

Conclusion: The low prevalence of the Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae within the study area should spur policy makers to intensify efforts to eradicate the pathogens. There is need for increased awareness targeted at the youths due the high prevalence of infections among young adults. The social media and other such avenues are to be utilized in this regard.