Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic women in Central Vietnam

Introduction: The diffusion of trichomoniasis in Vietnam has been scarcely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trichomoniasis in a group of symptomatic and asymptomatic women in Central Vietnam. Relationships between education, socioeconomical and marital status, and sexual behavior with infection have also been investigated. Methodology: 249 symptomatic and 534 asymptomatic women from Hue City, Vietnam, were enrolled in this study. All women were interviewed about socioeconomical and behavioral status. They underwent clinical examination, and vaginal swabs were taken to assess T. vaginalis infection by wet mount microscopy examination. In addition, an ELISA test to detect antibodies to T. vaginalis in patients' sera was used. Results: The overall prevalence of trichomoniasis assessed by microscopic examination was 6.6%. A significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups was observed, resulting in 19.3% and 0.7%, respectively. Anti-T. vaginalis antibodies were detected in 31.3% of symptomatic and in 13.3% of asymptomatic women. High-risk sexual behaviour, residence in urban areas, and low level of education were positively associated with infection. Conclusion: This is the first report on the diffusion of trichomoniasis in Central Vietnam on symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Data demonstrated that T. vaginalis is a common cause of vaginal infection in the Hue province. The prevalence detected by microscopic examination was high in symptomatic subjects, while serological ELISA test detected infection also in asymptomatic patients, who tested negative by microscopy. The ELISA test may be useful to detect infection, especially in asymptomatic population.