Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans Infections among Women of Reproductive Age in Ihiala, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Co-infection of T. vaginalis and C. albicans continues to present major health, social and economic problems in Nigeria.

Aim: A study to determine the prevalence and co-infection of T. vaginalis and C. albicans infections among women of reproductive age in Ihiala, Anambra state.

Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey involving 734 women from four villages in Ihiala community.

Duration: The study was conducted between January and March 2015.

Materials and Methods: Wet mounts were used to examine the high vaginal swabs of the women. Jerky movement and flagella were used to confirm the presence of T. vaginalis. Germ-tube test was used to confirm C. albicans after culturing on sabouraud dextrose agar.

Results: Of the 734 women, 150(20.4%) were positive to C. albicans, 7(1.0%) were positive to T. vaginalis and 4(0.5%) had co-infection of T. vaginalis and C. albicans. Women in the age group 40-49 years had the highest infection 22(37.9) of C. albicans and the age group 20-29 years had the lowest 96(17.0). Women in age group, 30-39 years had the highest co-infection of C. albicans and T. vaginalis 2(1.8%), while age group 20-29 years had the lowest 2(0.4%). Co-infections were highest 2(6.7%) among traders and none among civil servants and students. Co-infection of the pathogens was observed in married women only, and highest 1(3.6%) among wives of polygamous men. Co-infections of T. vaginalis and C. albicans was highest 1(14.3%) among the women with non-formal education and none among the women with tertiary education. Co-infections of the pathogens were observed only among non-pregnant women.

Conclusion: Since most co-infections were observed among women with no formal education and those from polygamous families, mass education on reproductive health to the women will help reduce the scourge of these infections in the study area.