Sexually transmitted infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis in pregnant women as detected by molecular testing.

Abstract

Context: During pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted vertically to the fetus, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality for both mother and child.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the profile of cervical and vaginal infections in pregnant women receiving prenatal care in a single institute.

Settings and design: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Molecular testing was used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Materials and methods: Samples of vaginal secretions were collected from pregnant women using the Aptima^® Multitest Swab Specimen Collection kit to test for the pathogens. The inclusion criteria consisted of pregnant women of 15-45 years of age receiving prenatal care at the institute, irrespective of gestational age, who agreed to provide vaginal swab. The exclusion criterion was the use of antibiotics in the preceding 3 months.

Statistical analysis: Frequencies and percentages were calculated for the pathogens detected in the samples evaluated.

Results: Overall, 200 samples were tested. Of the pathogens detected, there was a predominance of T. vaginalis (15.5% of the samples) and C. trachomatis (14.5%), followed by M. genitalium (10.0%) and N. gonorrhoeae (0.5%).

Conclusion: Identifying the microorganisms present in the microbiota of pregnant women is of the utmost importance in assuring the appropriate treatment for each pathogen, thus avoiding complications both for the woman and for her fetus. These results should serve to stimulate the debate on implementing these tests as routine during prenatal care.