Prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in some hospitals within Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a spirochete bacterium, Treponema pallidum, which are widespread in both Developed and developing countries and constitute a major public health problem. This study was conducted to determine the Sero-prevalence of Syphilis infection among pregnant women in Kaduna, Nigeria. Three hundred (300) pregnant women attending ante-natal care in three selected hospitals were chosen for this study. Blood samples were collected and tested for presence of Syphilis antibodies using rapid diagnostic test kit. The positive samples were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies for Syphilis were detected in 2.7% (8/300) of the pregnant women. Further demographic investigation indicates Syphilis to be significantly associated with polygamy and blood transfusion at 95% confidence level. Therefore, screening for Syphilis during pregnancy is essential to improve ante-natal care and inform clinical management.