Sexually transmitted pathogens in asymptomatic women at Rethabile clinic, Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Health care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often inadequate, especially for women, because of the asymptomatic nature of many STIs, which can lead to a false sense of health. Thus, there is limited data on the prevalence of STIs in pregnant women in low and middle-income countries.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal Rethabile Community Health Centre, Limpopo, South Africa.

Method: A cross-sectional analysis of asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre between March 2023 and November 2023 was conducted to determine the prevalence of seven STIs, detected from self-collected vaginal swab specimens using HAIN fluoroType STI-multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for nine targets covering seven major STIs.

Results: The study found that Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent pathogen (43%) followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (41%), and Trichomonas vaginalis (10%). The less common pathogens detected were Mycoplasma Genitalium (5%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2%).

Conclusion: High STI prevalence among asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre necessitates diagnostic screening over syndromic management because of a lack of reporting for symptoms.

Contribution: The paper examines the epidemiology of STIs in Limpopo, South Africa, focusing on healthy, asymptomatic populations. It emphasises the need for laboratory screening, particularly in pregnant women, over empiric treatment because of high chances of missing infections.