title: Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and risk factors in women treated at public health units in Brazil: a transversal study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies have revealed high prevalence rates of Trichomonas vaginalis in men and women worldwide. In Brazil, where reporting is not mandatory, the true prevalence rate is unknown. This study determined the prevalence of the parasite in women attending public health units in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identifying possible risk factors for infection, and also compared three diagnostic techniques for detecting the parasite.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples of vaginal secretions collected from 742 women attending public health units were analyzed by direct wet mount examination, culture and smear test. Epidemiological questionnaires were administered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the total of 742 samples analyzed, 19 (2.6%) tested positive for T. vaginalis. The variables significantly associated with infection were: being of black ethnicity, smoking, having knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and presenting clinical signs. The culture method was considered the gold standard test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there are programs to control other sexually transmitted diseases, there are none for trichomoniasis. The results of this study indicate the presence of T. vaginalis in the female population, and points to the need for more research in Brazil to gain a better understanding of the profile and epidemiology of the parasite.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Avenida Pará, 1720, Bloco 4C - Laboratório de Parasitologia. CEP: 38400-902, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daliane Faria
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Grama
authors.forename: Leonardo da Silva
authors.initials: Lda S
authors.lastname: Casarotti
authors.forename: Michelle Gonçalves Vilela de Andrade
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Morato
authors.forename: Lidyane Suellen
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Daniella Fernandes
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Mendonça
authors.forename: Jean Ezequiel
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Limongi
authors.forename: João da Costa
authors.initials: Jda C
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: Márcia Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cury
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000254:growth & development
keywords: Diagnosis; Prevalence; Risk factors; Trichomonas vaginalis; Women