Pattern and distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the pattern and distribution of sexually transmitted diseases. A total of 134 adult Subjects (89 women and 45 men) presenting with various signs and symptoms of lower genital tract infections were recruited for the study. Samples such as urine, urethral swab, high vaginal swab and/or semen were collected from the subjects and cultured. Identification of organisms was made using biochemical analytical profile index (API). The most common organisms encountered were Staphylococcus aureus (41%), Escherichia coli (21%), Candida spp. (14%) and klebsiella spp. (13%) while the least encountered organisms were Pseudomonas spp. (0.7%) and Neisseria gonorrhoea (0.7%). The pattern of distribution of these organisms was similar in both male and female subjects although different prevalence was observed. Staphylococcus aureus was consistently isolated from the semen cultures of men with low sperm count. The emergence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as the most predominantly isolated organisms from the subjects studied needs critical attention.

Key Words: Lower genital tract, Sexually transmitted disease.

Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol.2(2) 2004:63-67