Risk factors associated with gonorrhea and chlamydia transmission in selected health facilities in Ghana

Abstract

Background Understanding the underlying epidemiology that shapes Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections can contribute to data driven policies directed towards curbing the proliferation of these pathogens in Ghana. Information on the symptoms and risk factors for STIs will help to identify high-risk individuals which will in turn inform STI syndromic management and tailor the use of public health resources. Methods Participants were from 4 military clinics and 1 civilian STI clinic in Ghana and eligible if they had symptoms suggestive of STI. First void urine samples were collected and tested with Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with infection, separately for NG and for CT and for men and women. Results A total of 950 patients, 58% of whom were females were enrolled, 28% had gonorrhea and 11% had chlamydia with more males testing positive than females. Reported symptoms that were more common among patients who tested positive for gonorrhea were painful urination and urethral discharge (all P values < 0.05). Additionally, multiple sexual partners and alcohol use were statistically associated with higher rates of gonorrhea in males while only the frequency of condom use was associated with gonorrhea for females. None of the symptoms or risk factors except marital status was associated with testing positive for chlamydia. Conclusion Identifying these symptoms and risk factors help inform health care delivery systems for STIs in Ghana. Furthermore, men and women presenting with these symptoms and risk factors are a prime target for public health education campaigns, aimed at curbing the spread of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.

Etiologies of genital inflammation and ulceration in symptomatic Rwandan men and women responding to radio promotions of free screening and treatment services

“…This may reflect poor sensitivity of microscopy as well as non-infectious causes of symptoms. As has been noted elsewhere, factors associated with NG were more useful in predicting infections than those for CT [46,47].…”

High Willingness to Participate in Partner Notification among Women Attending Reproductive Health and STI Clinics in Shenzhen, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Because of the self-perceived high risk of STI acquisition, patients with STI-related symptoms may be more concerned about the outcomes of PN such as relationship breakdown and partner violence, and be more cautious about expressing their willingness to engage in PN. However, it was found that there was no association between symptoms and CT infection in many studies [19,[31][32][33][34], which means that asymptomatic patients can also be considered to have the same risk of CT infection as symptomatic patients. Because of the low level of awareness about CT infection (Knowledge Q1) in our study, asymptomatic individuals may underestimate their risk of CT infection, and may become cautious about participating in PN after they get diagnosed.…”

To Trap a Pathogen: Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Their Role in Mucosal Epithelial and Skin Diseases

“…Gonorrhea is an STD caused by the obligate pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with an estimated 87 million new cases each year worldwide [112]. Symptoms in men include dysuria, with purulent discharge, and it can result in urethritis; women in general are asymptomatic; however, they can develop cervicitis, and severe complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and sterility, and infant blindness through vertical transmission during childbirth [113]. Both the WHO and CDC have recognized the challenge to prevent and control N. gonorrhoeae infection due to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains [114].…”