Syndromic Management Approach and Wet Mount Microscopy of Trichomonas vaginalis in Pregnant Women and Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Attendants in Merawi Health Center, Merawi, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated single cell protozoan parasite, which carries the distinction of being the only truly sexually transmitted parasitic infection in humans.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis among pregnant women and sexually transmitted infection clinic attendants in Merawi Health center. Syndromic management approach was also evaluated for its effective diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

Methodology: In this study, a total of 222 women were enrolled. Majority of them were in the age group of 15-25 years (48.6%, 108). Identification of the Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites was performed by wet mount microscopy of vaginal samples (vaginal discharge and vaginal swab) and clinical diagnosis by the syndromic management approach was performed by health workers in the health center.

Result: Syndromic management approach has identified 4 women (1.8%) who had self-reported symptoms related to trichomoniasis. However, the laboratory wet mount diagnosis has identified 14 (6.3%) women who were positive for the trophozoites of Trichomonas vaginalis. The sensitivity of syndromic management approach with respect to the wet mount microscopy was 21.4%.

Conclusion: Syndromic management approach is highly insensitive in screening out trichomoniasis, even, as compared with the less sensitive laboratory test (wet mount microscopy). Hence, we support the need for improved diagnostic parameters to reduce adverse trichomoniasis associated reproductive health outcomes.