Detection of Three Sexually Transmitted Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Symptomatic Women using Multiplex-Real Time PCR

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are posing a challenge to public health, globally. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of three STIs in married women, clinical characteristics, and their associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was performed among married women who attended the Gynaecological Hospital in Zakho City, Iraq from October 2021 to April 2022. A total of 150 high vaginal swabs were collected from each subject aged between 18 and 48 years (32.64 years ±8.01 SD). DNA was extracted from swabs to determine STIs using Multiplex Real-Time PCR. The frequency of STIs was 26 out of 150 (17.33%). Chlamydia trachomatis accounted for 17 (11.33%), Trichomonas vaginalis 7 (4.66%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2 (1.33%). The highest rates of C. trachomatis, T. vaginalis, and N. gonorrhoeae were reported among young age groups. The level of education (p=0.043) and type of contraceptives (p=0.01) were identified as potential risk factors for T. vaginalis. The number of births (p=0.001) and using contraceptives (p=0.02) were reported as major risk factors for N. gonorrhoeae. Abnormal discharges (p=0.004), vaginal itching (p=0.03), painful intercourse (p=0.04), genital ulcers (p=0.03), and bleeding in the urine (p=0.001) were significantly associated with infections. The frequency of STIs was low in symptomatic patients but high among the reproductive age group. Education level, contraceptive usage, and number of births were identified as potential risk factors. Early detection of these factors is crucial for improving women's health.