scholarly journals Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women from sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bongekile Ngobese ◽  
Nathlee S. Abbai
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Stis And Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem in most countries of the world, particularly in developing countries where the resources and technology to diagnose and treat them are limited. Currently, there is limited data on STIs and risk factors for these infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides data on the prevalence and risk factors for STIs in pregnant women living with HIV from SSA. This review also describes the association between STIs and HIV on pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as highlights the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis of STIs.Method: An electronic search of online databases was used to find and collect relevant research articles connected to the prevalence, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, health complications and risk factors associated with STIs and HIV in pregnant women from SSA. The search was limited to articles published in English. Relevant studies were identified by searching literature from January 2001 to date. The search yielded 4709 results.Results: In SSA, STIs are highly prevalent in pregnant women and are widely known to be linked with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These infections are often asymptomatic and highly prevalent in pregnant women. The screening of STIs in pregnant women living with HIV can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and screening and treatment for STIs can also prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. It is important to recognise regional and national STI epidemics in order to promote STI prevention and control interventions considering the test and treat approach as opposed to syndromic management.Conclusion: This review highlights the need to use diagnostic screening methods instead of syndromic STI management in SSA. Moreover, more research into effective prevention and treatment measures for STIs in pregnant women is urgently required.

scholarly journals Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Adverse Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in Children and Women in sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-257
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Afibah Armstrong-Mensah ◽  
David-Praise Ebiringa ◽  
Kaleb Whitfield ◽  
Jake Coldiron
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) has adverse health outcomes for women and children. In pregnant women, the infection causes adverse obstetric outcomes including pelvic inflammation, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage. In children, it causes adverse birth outcomes such as skin rash, lesions, limb abnormalities, conjunctivitis, neurological damage, and even death. This article discusses genital CT prevalence, risk factors, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes among women and children in sub-Saharan Africa as well as challenges associated with the mitigation of the disease. A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords such as genital chlamydia trachomatis, adverse pregnancy outcomes, adverse birth outcomes, and sub-Saharan African. We found that genital CT prevalence rates in some sub-Saharan Africa countries were higher than others and that risk factors such as the lack of condom use, having multiple sexual partners, and low educational levels contribute to the transmission of the infection. We also found that negative cultural practices, illiteracy among women, and the lack of access to screening services during pregnancy are some of the challenges associated with CT mitigation in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce genital CT transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, efforts must be made by country governments to eliminate negative cultural practices, promote female literacy, and provide access to screening services for pregnant women.   Copyright © 2021 Armstrong-Mensah et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.

scholarly journals Malarial Infection in HIV Infected Pregnant Women Attending a Rural Antenatal Clinic in Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Houmsou ◽  
B. E. Wama ◽  
S. O. Elkanah ◽  
L. C. Garba ◽  
T. D. Hile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Haemoglobin Level ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Severe Anaemia ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Malarial Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan

Malaria still remains a challenging infection affecting the lives of several HIV infected pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was undertaken to determine malarial infection in HIV infected pregnant women in relation to sociodemographic and obstetrical factors. The study also assessed relationship between malarial infection and haemoglobin level, CD4+ counts, and ART regimen, as well as predisposing risk factors that influenced occurrence of malarial infection in the women. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa. Haemoglobin level was determined using a hematology analyzer, while the flow cytometry was used to measure CD4+ counts. Sociodemographic and obstetrical parameters were obtained through the administration of questionnaires. Of the 159 HIV infected pregnant women examined, 33.3% (59/159) had malarial infection. Malarial infection was significantly higher in pregnant women who were divorced, 40.24% (33/82) (χ2=5.72; P=0.05), were at their first trimester (4–12 weeks), 54.8% (17/31) (χ2=14.85; P=0.01), had CD4+ = [201–500 cells/μL], 42.42% (42/99) (χ2=10.13; P=0.00), and those that had severe anaemia (<8 dg/L), 100.00% (χ2= 45.75; P=0.00). However, risk factors that influenced the occurrence of malarial infection in the pregnant women were occupation (farming) (AOR=0.226; P=0.03), marital status (divorced) (AOR=2.80; P=0.02), gestation (first trimester) (AOR=0.33; P=0.00), haemoglobin level (Hb < 8 dg/L) (AOR=0.02; P=0.00), and CD4+ counts (low CD4+) (OR=0.40; P=0.05). The study reported endemicity of malaria in HIV infected pregnant women living in rural areas of Benue State, Nigeria. Malarial infection was higher in women that were divorced, and at their first trimester, had low CD4+ count, and had severe anaemia. Farming, divorce, gestation, severe anaemia, and low CD4+ counts were predisposing risk factors that influenced malaria occurrence in the HIV infected pregnant women. It is advocated that HIV infected pregnant women should be properly and thoroughly educated on malaria preventive measures in rural areas so as to avoid unpleasant effect of malaria during their pregnancies.

scholarly journals Prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors of STIs during pregnancy in South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054631
Author(s):  
Dorothy Chiwoniso Nyemba ◽  
Andrew Medina-Marino ◽  
Remco P H Peters ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner ◽  
Phuti Ngwepe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Syndromic Management ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth Outcomes ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth

ObjectiveSTIs during pregnancy increase adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and may increase HIV risk. STI syndromic management is standard of care in South Africa. Our study evaluated the prevalence and incidence of STIs in pregnant women and the associated risk factors.MethodsWe combined data from two prospective observational studies of pregnant women enrolled while attending their first antenatal clinic (ANC) visit in Tshwane District and Cape Town. Women ≥18 years were tested at first ANC visit and at their first postpartum visit for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis using Xpert assays (Cepheid, USA). We evaluated the prevalence and incidence of STI and the associated risk factors using multivariable regression models.ResultsWe enrolled 669 pregnant women, 64% (n=427) from Tshwane District and 36% (n=242) from Cape Town; 80% (n=534) were women living with HIV (WLHIV) and 20% (n=135) without HIV. At enrolment, 37% (n=250) were diagnosed with at least one STI, of which 76% (n=190) were asymptomatic. STI prevalence was 40% (n=213) in WLHIV and 27% (n=37) in women without HIV (p=0.01). Baseline STI infection was associated with younger age (OR=0.95 per year, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98), higher gestational age (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.03 per week, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.05), single relationship status (aOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.15) and HIV status (aOR=1.86, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.95). Of 419 participants with no STI at baseline, 21 had an incident STI during follow-up, with a mean follow-up time of 140 days. The incidence rate of STI during pregnancy and early post partum was 15 infections per 100 women-years (95% CI 9 to 23). Younger age was associated with STI incidence.ConclusionOur study shows high prevalence and incidence of STIs in pregnancy, especially in WLHIV, demonstrating the need for STI screening in ANC to prevent adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Most STI cases were asymptomatic and would have gone untreated with syndromic management. Aetiological STI screening is urgently needed to reduce the burden of STIs in pregnancy.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Three Other Non-Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections among Pregnant Women in Pemba Island Tanzania

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 625
Author(s):  
Naomi C.A. Juliana ◽  
Saikat Deb ◽  
Sander Ouburg ◽  
Aishwarya Chauhan ◽  
Jolein Pleijster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Genital Infections ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Pemba Island ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Sub Saharan

Efforts to map the burden of infections globally have shown a high prevalence of genital infections, including Chlamydia trachomatis, in sub-Saharan Africa. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of selected non-viral genital infections among pregnant women in Pemba Island, Tanzania. Vaginal swabs were collected during pregnancy and stored in eNAT buffer. Detection of C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrheae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium pathogens was performed by PCR using validated detection kits. Vaginal samples of 439 pregnant women between 16 and 48 years were tested. In fifty-five (12.5%) of them, at least one genital pathogen was detected. The most prevalent pathogen was T. vaginalis (7.1%), followed by C. trachomatis (4.6%) and M. genitalium (2.1%). None of the vaginal samples tested positive for N. gonorrheae. Consequently, among positive samples, 7.3% were for C. trachomatis and at least one other genital pathogen. This study provides insights on the burden of the four studied genital infections, and on the coinfections among pregnant women in Pemba Island, Tanzania. These results offer a starting point that can be useful to design further research in the field of maternal and child health in Pemba Island.

scholarly journals 993. Risk Factors for Periconception Non-Suppression Among Women Living with HIV in Kisumu, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S525-S525
Author(s):  
Ephrat Fisseha ◽  
Karen Hampanda ◽  
Patrick Oyaro ◽  
Evelyn Brown ◽  
Irene Mukui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Transcriptase Inhibitor ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Study Enrollment ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Women With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are a priority population for virologic monitoring and efforts to ensure viral suppression to reduce the risk for vertical-transmission and poor maternal health outcomes. Few studies have examined the role of parity on viral suppression during periconception in WLHIV. Methods We present data from the ongoing Opt4Mamas study which enrolled pregnant women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy between March and November 2019 attending antenatal care in five public health facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya. We evaluated associations between various sociodemographic and psychosocial factors and periconception viral suppression (&lt; 40 copies/mL) within 12 months of study enrollment. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among 497 women enrolled, mean age 29.9 years, 301 (61%) had viral load results available within 12 months of study enrollment. Viral loads were available a median of 18 days from conception (interquartile range 71 days before to 90 days after conception), and 237 women (79%) were virally suppressed. The majority (90%) of women were on a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and 23 (9%) were on a protease inhibitor-containing regimen. In univariate analysis, women younger than 25 and primigravida women were less likely to be virally suppressed (OR 0.31, 95% CI [0.16 - 0.60] and OR 0.25, 95% CI [0.11 - 0.61] respectively; Table 1). The relationship between primigravida and periconception viral suppression is modified by age and duration on ART. Primigravida women who were younger than 25 years or who had less than 1 year of ART had significantly reduced odds of achieving viral suppression in the past year compared to primigravida women who were older or who had more experience taking ART (OR 0.09, 95%CI [0.03-0.31] and OR 0.09, 95%CI [0.02-0.48] respectively; Table 2). Table 1: Comparison of Pregnant Women with HIV by Periconception Viral Suppression Table 2: Interaction Effects with Primigravida Status Conclusion Risk factors for non-suppression around the time of conception in WLHIV include primigravida status, which is modified by age and duration on ART. Interventions targeting viral suppression among WLHIV leading up to their first pregnancy are needed, particularly among those who are newly initiated onto ART or younger age. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Factors associated with unsuppressed viremia in women living with HIV on lifelong ART in a multi-country cohort study: US-PEPFAR PROMOTE study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Atuhaire ◽  
Sherika Hanley ◽  
Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma ◽  
Jim Aizire ◽  
Lynda Stranix-Chibanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Women ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractBackgroundDespite recent efforts to scale-up lifelong combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in sub-Saharan Africa, high rates of unsuppressed viremia persist among cART users, and many countries in the region fall short of the UNAIDS 2020 target to have 90% virally suppressed. We sought to determine the factors associated with unsuppressed viremia (defined for the purpose of this study as >200 copies/ml) among African women on lifelong cART.MethodsThis analysis was based on baseline data of the PROMOTE longitudinal cohort study at 8 sites in Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The study enrolled 1987 women living with HIV who initiated lifelong cART at least 1 year previously to assesses long-term safety and effectiveness of cART. Socio-demographic, clinical, and cART adherence data were collected. We used multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance to identify factors associated with unsuppressed viremia.ResultsAt enrolment, 1947/1987 (98%) women reported taking cART. Of these, HIV-1 remained detectable in 293/1934 (15%), while 216/1934 (11.2%) were considered unsuppressed (>200 copies/ml). The following factors were associated with an increased risk of unsuppressed viremia: not having household electricity (adjusted prevalence rate ratio (aPRR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-2.36, p<0.001); self-reported missed cART doses (aPRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.24-2.13, p<0.001); recent hospitalization (aPRR 2.48, 95% CI 1.28-4.80, p=0.007) and experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge in the last three months (aPRR 1.88; 95% CI 1.16-3.04, p=0.010). Longer time on cART (aPRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64-0.88, p<0.001) and being older (aPRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.76-0.88, p<0.001) were associated with reduced risk of unsuppressed viremia.ConclusionSocioeconomic barriers such as poverty, not being married, young age, and self-reported missed doses remain key predictors of unsuppressed viremia. Targeted interventions are needed to improve cART adherence among women living with HIV with this risk factor profile.

scholarly journals A case study of the first pregnant women with COVID-19 in Bukavu, Eastern DR Congo.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etienne KAJIBWAMI BIRINDWA ◽  
Guy MULINGANYA MULUMEODERHWA ◽  
Olivier NYAKIO ◽  
Guy-Quesney MATESO MBALE ◽  
Serge ZIGABE MUSHAMUKA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Dr Congo ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction: Vertical transmission of covid-19 is possible; its risk factors are worth researching. The placental changes found in pregnant women have a definite impact on the foetus.Case presentation: We report a case of a 25-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2 (2 alive children), with a history of two caesarean deliveries, who was infected by the SARS-Cov-2 during the last term of her pregnancy. She gave birth by caesarean after 34 weeks of gestation to a new-born baby also infected with SARS-Cov-2. The per-operative observations noted several eruptive lesions in the pelvis, bleeding on contact. Microscopic examination of the foetal appendages revealed thrombotic vasculopathy in the placenta and in the umbilical cord vessels.Conclusion: This case is one of the first documented cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. We strongly suggest obstetricians to carefully examine the aspect of the peritoneum, viscera and foetal appendages in affected pregnant women.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Malaria in Pregnancy and Associated Risk Factors in Nigeria: a Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 59-72
Author(s):  
Chibuzo Christian Uba ◽  
Moses Nkechukwu Ikegbunam ◽  
Emmanuel Chigozie Udegbunam ◽  
Chioma Abana ◽  
Stephen Nnaemeka Ezekwueche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Malaria In Pregnancy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
In Pregnancy

Each year, an estimated number of 300–500 million people are infected with malaria parasite, with an undesirable effect of over one million deaths. Pregnant women as well as young children, non-immune travellers visiting malaria-endemic zones are at the highest risk of suffering or experiencing life - threatening malaria infection. Maternal immunity, parasite density, parity, inadequate antenatal care services, drug misuse and abuse as well intermitted preventive treatment drug failure cum resistance are the most associated risk factors of malaria in pregnancy obtainable in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Identification and understanding of these factors will play a major role in reducing the burden as well as eliminating malaria disease among pregnant women living in endemic regions.

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