TY - JOUR

T1 - The Association Between Female Genital Schistosomiasis and Other Infections of the Lower Genital Tract in Adolescent Girls and Young Women

T2 - A Cross-Sectional Study in South Africa

AU - Shukla, Jilna Dilip

AU - Kleppa, Elisabeth

AU - Holmen, Sigve

AU - Ndhlovu, Patricia D.

AU - Mtshali, Andile

AU - Sebitloane, Motshedisi

AU - Vennervald, Birgitte Jyding

AU - Gundersen, Svein Gunnar

AU - Taylor, Myra

AU - Kjetland, Eyrun Floerecke

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Objectives/Purposes of the Study This study aimed to explore the relationship between female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast among young women living in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas. Methods In a cross-sectional study of young women, sexually active, aged 16 to 22 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 32 randomly selected rural schools in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, the authors performed gynecological and laboratory investigations, diagnosed FGS and other infections, and did face-to-face interviews. Results Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most prevalent current genital infection (23%), significantly more common in those who had urinary schistosomiasis (35%), compared with those without (19%, p <.001). In the FGS-positive group, 35% had human papillomavirus compared with 24% in the FGS-negative group (p =.010). In the FGS-positive group, 37% were seropositive for herpes simplex virus infection, compared with 30% in the FGS-negative group (p =.079). There were significantly fewer chlamydia infections among women with FGS (20%, p =.018) compared with those who did not have FGS (28%). Conclusions Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most common genital infection after herpes simplex virus. Human papillomavirus infection was significantly associated with FGS, but Chlamydia was negatively associated with FGS. Women with FGS may have had more frequent contact with the health system for genital discharge. The results show the importance of the inclusion of FGS in the national management protocols for genital infections in areas endemic for S. haematobium and highlight a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and genital disease management.

AB - Objectives/Purposes of the Study This study aimed to explore the relationship between female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast among young women living in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas. Methods In a cross-sectional study of young women, sexually active, aged 16 to 22 years in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 32 randomly selected rural schools in schistosomiasis-endemic areas, the authors performed gynecological and laboratory investigations, diagnosed FGS and other infections, and did face-to-face interviews. Results Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most prevalent current genital infection (23%), significantly more common in those who had urinary schistosomiasis (35%), compared with those without (19%, p <.001). In the FGS-positive group, 35% had human papillomavirus compared with 24% in the FGS-negative group (p =.010). In the FGS-positive group, 37% were seropositive for herpes simplex virus infection, compared with 30% in the FGS-negative group (p =.079). There were significantly fewer chlamydia infections among women with FGS (20%, p =.018) compared with those who did not have FGS (28%). Conclusions Female genital schistosomiasis was the second most common genital infection after herpes simplex virus. Human papillomavirus infection was significantly associated with FGS, but Chlamydia was negatively associated with FGS. Women with FGS may have had more frequent contact with the health system for genital discharge. The results show the importance of the inclusion of FGS in the national management protocols for genital infections in areas endemic for S. haematobium and highlight a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and genital disease management.

KW - Africa

KW - Chlamydia trachomatis

KW - female

KW - female genital schistosomiasis

KW - human papillomavirus

KW - parasitic infection

U2 - 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000756

DO - 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000756

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37379442

AN - SCOPUS:85163610038

VL - 27

SP - 291

EP - 296

JO - Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease

JF - Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease

SN - 1089-2591

IS - 3

ER -