Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among Women with Genital Infections in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Summary: This study reports the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among gynaecological outpatients presenting at the Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital (Burkina Faso) with genital infections and examines the factors associated with HIV infection in this population. Of 245 eligible non-pregnant women, 220 consented to participate in the study. Seventy-seven per cent had sexually transmitted infections. The most common were: Trichomonas vaginalis (28%), Chlamydia trachomatis (27%), bacterial vaginosis (20%), Candida albicans (17%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). The prevalence of HIV infection was 42% (95% ci. 35.3, 48.3). Logistic regression analyses revealed Neisseria gonorrhoeae to be the only STD significantly associated with infection with HIV ( P = 0.04). A sedimentation rate greater than or equal to 100 mm in the first hour was also associated with HIV infection ( P < 0.001). Women consulting for genital infections constitute a high risk group for HIV infection and other STDs. Management of these women should focus on the early diagnosis and treatment of STDs.