Trichomonas vaginalis infection in some parts of Niger Delta Region, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

A research work on Trichomonas vaginalis infection in some parts of Niger Delta Region, Nigeria was carried out. Vaginal
swab/urethral swab and urine samples were collected from 500 subjects sampled in three zones. From the zonal prevalence
of trichomoniasis, Zone B recorded the highest infection rate (9.7%). Out of these 500 subjects, 42(8.4%) were infected with
Trichomonas vaginalis , 3 (4.3%) were males and 39(9.1%) females. The prevalence rate of the infection in females was
significantly (p < 0.05) higher. The age distribution pattern of the infection showed that age-groups 24-29, 30-34 and 35-39
had infection rates of 6.5%, 10.9% and 8.6% respectively. The occupation-related prevalence projected traders as the highest
(11.1%) risk bearers followed closely by civil servants (8.2%) and students (8.0%). Swab (10%) revealed more infection rate
than urine (6%), however the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no basis for racial susceptibility.
Factors influencing the prevalence include ignorance, poverty, sexual permissiveness and drug abuse.

Keywords: Prevalence, Trichomonas vaginalis, public health, Niger Delta.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 27 2006: pp. 68-72