Co-infection of Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV infection and its risk factors among prison inmates in Umuahia, Abia State, South Eastern Nigeria

Background A study was conducted to determine the co-infection of Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV infection prevalence and its risk factors among prison inmates in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 350 inmates (280 males and 70 females) participated in the study. Three hundred and fifty (350) blood and urine samples including 70 high vaginal swabs (from females) were screened using direct serological and wet mount methods respectively. Structured questionnaire were administered to obtain socio-demographic and behavioral risk factor data. Results An overall prevalence 43.4% was recorded for Trichomonas vaginalis single infection and 2.6% for HIV single infection. A total of 8(2.3%) prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV co-infection were recorded in our study. Females recorded more infection (2.8%) than their male counterpart (2.1%). Age groups 21–30 and 31–40 had highest prevalence in male and age group 31–40 in females. This study also identified multiple sex partners and unprotected sex as the major risk factors that influence transmission of T. vaginalis and HIV infection although was insignificant. Conclusions Prevalence of T. vaginalis and HIV co-infection was minimal, however, should not be ignored. Adequate healthcare facility should be provided in the prison. Inmates should be tested and treated upon their release to reduce the spread of the infection to the general population.