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 -