Observations on Trichomonas vaginalis infections in Zambia.
Microscopy and culture of high vaginal swabs from an ante-natal clinic showed that 38.5% of the women harboured Trichomonas vaginalis; the corresponding figure from a gynaecology clinic was 31.4%. The incorporation of the culture method together with direct microscopy as a diagnostic technique in a routine laboratory is emphasized. Urine microscopy in out-patients, in-patients and medical examinees indicates that T. vaginalis in both males and females is not a rare infestation but the prevalence rate of 4.8% in males is considered an underestimate. Asymptomatic and symptomatic trichomoniasis was evident during the study. The age group in which the infection is most common is noted; this evidence suggests that venereal transmission need not be the only source of infection. The role of urinary schistosomiasis as a possible cause of urethritis is discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015024:Zambia
D003470:Culture Media