A hundred and twenty-seven (127) pregnant women performed high vaginal swab (HVS) tests between the months of May to July, 2013, the age range of the pregnant women studied were from 13 to 45 years old. The specimen were studied for candida species and trichomonas vaginalis infections using wet mount or direct examination sometimes using10% Potassium hydroxide (KOH) , and gram stain techniques were applied to all the samples. They results of 21.26 % was obtained for candida species, while 6.3% was infected with trichomonas vaginalis. The study observed that the infection rate of candida species among the pregnant women was statistically significant to that of trichomonas vaginalis, considering P≤ 0.05. The co-infection rate (the infection of candida species and trichomonas vaginalis together) of the study was 0.79%. The primigravidae recorded 59 (46.46%) and multigravidae recorded 68 (53.54%), the infection of candida species of 28.8% was observed among primigravidae, while trichomonas vaginalis was 10.17%, also among primigravidae, the multigravidae registered 14.71% of candida species infection and trichomonas vaginalis was 2.94%. Therefore, the primigravidae were more infected with candida species and trichomonas vaginalis than multigravidae. The age groups of 13 to 25 years of the pregnant women were mostly infected by candida species (25.93%) and trichomonas vaginalis infection was 7.41%. The pregnant mothers at third trimester (27 to 40 weeks) were mostly attacked, making a prevalence rate of 23.81% of candida species, while trichomonas vaginalis was 9.52%.
The conclusion was that contributing factors such as douching should be avoided; indiscriminate use of antibiotics without medical supervision, and education of the pregnant women using various forms, stressing the importance of prevention and control strategies should be implemented.
Keywords: Vaginal candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, Pregnant, Women, Cape Verde.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction and literature review
3. Methodology
4. Collection of specimens
5. Discussion
6. Conclusion
7. References
8. Appendix
Objectives and Research Focus
The primary objective of this research is to determine the frequency and prevalence of Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis infections among pregnant women in Porto Novo, Cape Verde, while analyzing associated factors such as age, gravidity, and trimester.
- Prevalence analysis of Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis in pregnancy.
- Evaluation of infection rates based on age groups and trimester stages.
- Comparison of infection susceptibility between primigravidae and multigravidae.
- Assessment of co-infection rates among the studied population.
- Review of laboratory diagnostic methodologies and clinical implications for pregnant women.
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction and literature review
Infections of the vulva and vagina are common among women and the most common types of vulvovaginitis are Candidiasis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis.
Candida species may be transmitted by sexual partners and may cause balanitis, balanoposthitis and rarely urethritis in men. However, for candida species to colonize the vagina, they must first adhere to the vaginal epithelial cells and then grow, proliferate, and germinate, before causing symptomatic inflammation. Changes in the vaginal environment are usually necessary before the organism can induce virulent pathological effects.
The natural bacterial flora serves as the most important defense mechanism against colonization and inflammation. The mechanism whereby candida species induces inflammation is not yet known, but essential predisposing factors for colonization and inflammation were; changes in reproductive hormone levels associated with premenstrual periods, pregnancy, oral contraceptive pills, abusive use of antibiotics and diabetes mellitus.
Chemical products, local allergy and delayed hypersensitivity can contribute to the induction of symptomatic vaginitis and vulvitis and may play a role in chronic or recurrent Candidiasis. The diagnosis of vaginal Candidiasis cannot always be confirmed on the basis of clinical symptoms alone without adequate laboratory investigations. Although, clinical suggestive diagnosis of Candidiasis includes; vaginal itching, an odorless curdy white discharge, burning sensation in the vulva region, dysuria and erythema of the labia and vulva, arriving at this, a consulting physician must rely dynamically and effectively on laboratory findings to confirm the diagnosis.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides a concise overview of the study's scope, including the sample size of 127 pregnant women, methodologies used, and key findings regarding infection rates.
Introduction and literature review: Examines the biological mechanisms of Candida and Trichomonas infections and identifies common predisposing factors in pregnant women.
Methodology: Details the study location, timeframe, and the selection criteria for participating pregnant women in Porto Novo.
Collection of specimens: Describes the clinical procedures for sampling vaginal discharge and the subsequent microscopic and gram-stain laboratory techniques.
Discussion: Interprets the research data in the context of global findings, highlighting the vulnerability of primigravidae and younger pregnant women.
Conclusion: Summarizes practical recommendations, emphasizing the importance of hygiene education and clinical monitoring to mitigate infection risks.
References: Lists the academic and clinical sources utilized to support the study's claims and methodologies.
Appendix: Offers clinical guidelines for the management of Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis, including recommended treatment protocols and diagnostic warnings.
Keywords
Vaginal candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, Pregnant, Women, Cape Verde, Candida species, Trichomonas vaginalis, Infection rates, Porto Novo, Microbiology, Antenatal, Primigravidae, Multigravidae, Laboratory diagnosis, Gynecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates the prevalence and frequency of vaginal infections, specifically Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis, in a cohort of 127 pregnant women in Porto Novo, Cape Verde.
Which infectious agents are analyzed in the study?
The study focuses on Candida species (candidiasis) and Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis) and their co-infection patterns during pregnancy.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary objective is to determine the frequency of these specific infections and identify how factors such as gravidity, trimester, and maternal age influence infection susceptibility.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The researchers utilized high vaginal swab (HVS) testing, wet mount direct microscopy with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), and gram stain techniques to identify the pathogens.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers existing literature on vaginal infections, the specific methodology used in Porto Novo, comprehensive result tables categorized by age and gravidity, and a discussion of the clinical findings.
Which keywords characterize this publication?
The study is best described by keywords such as Vaginal Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, Pregnant, Women, and Cape Verde.
Why are primigravidae more susceptible to these infections according to the study?
The findings suggest that primigravidae (women pregnant for the first time) may lack the experience and knowledge regarding pregnancy hygiene compared to multigravidae, contributing to higher observed infection rates.
What role does age play in these infection rates?
The study observed that younger pregnant women, particularly those aged 13 to 25, showed higher infection rates, possibly due to lower acquired vaginal immunity or developmental factors.
What does the author suggest for prevention and control?
The author recommends avoiding behaviors like douching, preventing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and implementing robust educational programs for pregnant women.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Peter Ubah Okeke (Author), 2013, Vaginal Candidiasis and trichomoniasis infections in Pregnancy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/231669
