Prevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium among women in Pelotas, Southern Brazil

Abstract

The frequently asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) are poorly diagnosed in Brazil and can lead to severe complications/sequelae without timely detection and treatment. We investigated prevalence of CT, NG, and MG infections and associated demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors in consecutive women attending a gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Vaginal swab samples were prospectively obtained from asymptomatic and symptomatic women (n = 498) from August 2015 to December 2016 and tested with Aptima Combo2 and Aptima M. genitalium assays (Hologic). The prevalence of CT, NG, and MG was 6.8% (34/498), 1.0% (5/498), and 4.2% (21/498), respectively. Three (0.6%) cases of CT and NG co-infection and one (0.2%) case of CT and MG co-infection were identified. The risk factors associated with these bacterial STIs were youth (<30 years), no steady sexual partner, infection with additional STI, and lack of income. Bacterial STIs, particularly CT and MG, were prevalent among women, including pregnant women (60% of positive cases), in Pelotas, Brazil. Sensitive and specific diagnostic testing and early treatment are essential to control STIs, limit transmission chains, avoid future complications/sequelae, and reduce health and cost burdens on the population.