Molecular Detection of Pathogens Involved in Sexually Transmitted Infections in Brazzaville, Congo

The objective of this multicentric study was to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma génitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis infections in Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo, using molecular methods. From January to December 2021, the sexually transmitted disease risk participants were recruited from six centers: The Association of Young HIV-Positive People of Congo, The Congolese Association for Family Welfare, The Association for Support to Vulnerable Groups, Talangaï hospital, Brazzaville university hospital (outpatient service) and the private clinic COGEMO (outpatient service). The real-time multiplex PCR was carried out to detect these pathogens. Each patient had at least one specimen (urine, urethral, anal and/or vaginal samples). The patients were considered infected when one of their samples was positive. 287 participants made of 227 women and 60 men were tested. The general prevalence of these infections was: Chlamydia trachomatis 2.79%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3.14%, Mycoplasma génitalium 3.45% and Trichomonas vaginalis 2.97. The prevalence rates according to sex were: C. trachomatis, M. génitalium, N. gonorrhea and T. vaginalis were 1.32%, 2.05%, 1.32% and 3.42% in women and 8.33%, 7.02%, 10% and 1.75% in men, respectively. Most infected patients were asymptomatic. Prevalence rates were higher in bisexual individuals, with the exception of T. vaginalis which showed higher prevalence in heterosexual patients. The bisexual and homosexual individuals represent a major public health problem in sexually active young adults, particularly among men having sex with men. These sexually transmitted infections are mainly asymptomatic, their diagnosis and management remain difficult in developing countries.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vaginal Trichomoniasis in Women: Study at the University Hospital of Pikine in the Suburbs of Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of genital trichomoniasis in Senegal. It sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with this condition in Senegal. Methodology: The study took place at the university hospital of Pikine in the suburbs of Dakar. For each of the women recruited, socio-demographic data, clinical examination data and the results of direct examination of the vaginal sample were collected in a questionnaire designed for this purpose. Results: A total of 312 women with a mean age of 31.13 (±8.41) years were recruited in this study. The majority of these women (59.94%;95% CI = 54.25 - 65.38), were seen for an infectious diseases assessment. Leucorrhea (58.33%;95% CI = 52.63 - 63.83) and genital discharge on vaginal touch (99.36%;95% CI = 97.45 - 99.89) were the predominant signs on clinical examination. The overall prevalence of vaginal trichomoniasis after direct examination of the specimens was 1.28% (95% CI = 0.41 - 3.47). Only the distribution of this prevalence by occupation was statistically significant (p = 0.0004). Conclusion: The low prevalence of genital trichomoniasis in women and the risk factors associated with it found in this study, which took place about ten years ago, should prompt an update of the data to better define the problem in Senegal.