Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women receiving gynaecological care at an Alabama HIV Clinic.

OBJECTIVE

Trichomoniasis vaginalis is a risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of HIV. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of T vaginalis (using culture) among HIV-infected women receiving gynaecological care at an university HIV clinic in Alabama in addition to predictors of infection.

METHODS

Electronic medical record review of women presenting to the clinic for gynaecological care during 2006-2012 was performed. Demographic and sexual history data was abstracted in addition to absolute CD4 cell count, HIV-1 viral load and sexually transmitted infection (STI) (including T vaginalis) testing results. Analysis was conducted using Stata V.12.

RESULTS

T vaginalis was prevalent in 17.4% (83/478) of HIV-infected women; other STIs were less prevalent. Among these women, 384 presented for routine STI screening, of which 12% (46/384) were T vaginalis-infected. Younger age, African-American race, lifetime history of tobacco and drug abuse, lack of HIV therapy, HIV-1 viral load >400 copies/ml, and report of seeking gynaecological care for reasons other than routine STI screening (ie, having symptoms) were significant predictors of T vaginalis in univariate analysis. Age, African American race, and report of seeking gynaecological care for reasons other than routine STI screening remained associated with T vaginalis in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

T vaginalis remains highly prevalent among HIV-infected women, a proportion of which may be asymptomatic. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these women may be more likely to transmit HIV. Increased emphasis on screening for high risk sexual behaviours, testing for T vaginalis, and risk reduction counselling is necessary for all HIV-infected women.