Vulvovaginal trichomoniasis: epidemiology, clinical and parasitological characteristics

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is the most prevalent nonviral sexual transmitted infection. The World Health Organization estimates that its prevalence is 170 million cases worldwide each year. In women, he represents the third cause of vaginitis. to determine the prevalence, to evaluate predisposing factors and to study the clinical and parasitological characteristics of vulvovaginal trichomoniasis in a Tunisian population during a period of 18 months. This is a transversal study concerning 924 women. We administered a questionnaire to obtain information about the possible risk factors of vulvovaginal trichomoniasis. Vaginal swabs were collected with the help of sterile transportable cotton swabs, followed by microscopic examination. Data were statistically analyzed. Trichomonas vaginalis infection was diagnosed in 3,5% of cases. The study various potential risk factors showed that trichomoniasis was significatively associated with multiple partners, long-term corticotherapy. However, the pregnancy was a protector factor. The research for factors allows not only to explain the appearance of this infection but also, and especially, to establish a disease prevention to avoid their second offense or, at best their arisen in women at risk.