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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

-

Abstract

Aim: Trichomonas vaginalis has not been studied in Gaza and there is no available data on the prevalence of this sexually transmitted disease (STD). The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) among Palestinian women attending a child and mother care center in Gaza, Palestine and to estimate the trend of prevalence over the period from 2000-2006. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 430 pregnant women attending a child and mother care center in Gaza. The clinical and gynecologic examinations were performed according to the complaints reported by each woman, especially infertility. Vaginal and cervical swabs were collected and stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) stain. Results: Out of 423 women, a total of 77 were found to be infected with T. vaginalis, for a prevalence of 18.2%. A decrease in the prevalence of T. vaginalis was observed with increasing age. A significant association between vaginal discharge and T. vaginalis infection was found (P = 0.001). No clear trend was noted in the prevalence of T. vaginalis over the period from 2000-2006. Conclusions: A considerable prevalence of T. vaginalis was found among pregnant women in Gaza. These results may be useful for health authorities, especially for antenatal care and protection against STDs.

Keywords

Trichomonas vaginalis, prevalence, trends, vaginal discharge, pregnant

First Page

371

Last Page

375

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