Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum and Trichomonas vaginalis among Jimma University Students Suspected for Sexual Transmitted Infections, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major global cause of acute illness, infertility, long-term disability and death with serious medical and psychological consequences for millions of men, women and infants. Globally, one-third of 340 million new STI cases occur in people under 25 years of age every year. There is little or no evidence on the burden of STIs mainly due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Treponema pallidum among university students in Ethiopia. Therefore the present study was aimed to provide data regarding the problem in Jimma university main campus students. It also attempted to help in selection of an appropriate antimicrobial agent for the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae which has been demonstrated as multidrug resistance. Method: A health facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Jimma University main campus students clinic from April to October 2017among 189Jimma university main campus students suspected for sexual transmitted infections. Socio demographic and risky sexual behaviors were collected by using structured self-administered questionnaire. Urethral discharge and endocervical/vaginal swab were collected by the attending nurses. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was done by using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. Microscopic examination of wet mount preparation was done for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis and serological tests for syphilis were performed using a rapid immunochromatographic kit (XIAMEN, China). Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact, Chi-square tests and logistic regression was carried out to assess the risk factors for STIs. Results: The overall prevalence of STI among Jimma university main campus students suspected for sexual transmitted infections was 14.3%. Neisseria gonorrhoeae accounted for 7.4%, T. vaginalis for 4.8% and T. pallidum, 3.7%. The prevalence of gonococcal infection in males was higher than in females accounting 15.5% and 3.8 % respectively (p= 0.012). All patients with trichomoniasis were females. Having had sex after taking alcohol was significantly associated with STIs (p=<0.05). All N. gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to penicillin and tetracycline.21.4% isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and whereas two (14.3%) isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone and cefixime. Conclusion: In this study the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and T. pallidum was relatively high. Students who have had sex after taking alcohol were more likely affected by STI. The concerned bodies need to focus on giving health education on risky sexual behaviors for STIs. Further study is recommended.