BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections are among the most commonly occurring infections globally, with countries in sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting disproportionately higher prevalence rates. Numerous reports indicate the need for accurate detection, epidemiological characterisation, and appropriate management of these infections. This prospective observational laboratory study sought to determine the occurrence of STI, using a validated molecular assay as a diagnostic and surveillance tool in our setting.

METHODS

Urogenital swabs from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, submitted to the National Health Laboratory Service, at Groote Schuur Hospital, from 04 August 2021-03 February 2022, for routine microbiological investigations, were subjected to the Allplex™ STI Essential Assay (Seegene Inc, South Korea) to determine the distribution of STI pathogens in our setting. This multiplex assay includes C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, N. gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Correlations between detected organisms and participant age and clinical indications for testing were determined using Stata® software.

RESULTS

A total of 148 urogenital swabs (91.2% from women) were included in the analysis, of which 56/148 (37.84%) were from symptomatic patients. Up to 83.8% of the samples tested positive for ≥1 organism, with all seven target organisms detected in at least one sample. Ureaplasma parvum was the most common organism detected, followed by N. gonorrhoeae, M. hominis, U. urealyticum, T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, with M. genitalium being the least detected. All 25 samples submitted for routine antenatal Group B Streptococcal screening were positive for at least one STI organism, and one sample from sexual non-accidental injury tested positive for five different organisms.

CONCLUSIONS

STIs comprise a variety of organisms in our setting, with many patients exhibiting coinfection with multiple organisms. This suggests the need for a critical evaluation of current syndromic testing and treatment guidelines so as to stem inadvertent spread of STI organisms and the development of resistance. The use of molecular testing methods may improve detection, especially in resource limited settings, providing speedy results, and thus allowing for guided therapy in only infected patients.