Prevalence and Determinants of Trichomoniasis among Brothel-based Female Sex Workers in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a common non-viral sexually transmitted infection that is curable. It has been associated with HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes and this makes it of significant public health importance. In this study we determined the prevalence and determinants of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among brothel-based female sex workers in Jos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 175 brothel-based female sex workers between September and December 2020.Trichomonas Vaginalis was detected by Multiplex polymerase chain reaction using the Allplex STI essential assay, which also simultaneously detects six other microorganisms in the same sample. Participants were screened for HIV and hepatitis B virus infection. Data was analysed using Stata version 15.1SE and presented as odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals. Results: The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis was 17.7% (95%CI:11.7-22.8). Infection with Mycoplasma hominis was associated with 6.2 times odds of being infected with Trichomonas vaginalis (aOR 6.2, 95% C I:2.1-18.0). Infection with hepatitis B virus was associated with 9.1 times increased odds of Trichomonas vaginalis infection (aOR 9.1,95% CI:1.8-44.6). Conclusion: The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among brothel-based female sex workers is high. Co-infection with other microorganisms like Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium is also high in this group. Therefore, periodic screening and treatment of high-risk populations and their partners will significantly reduce morbidity associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection and other sexually transmitted infections.