Author(s)

Muela Andy Mbangama, Banza Jésual Lotoy, Ambis Joëlle Lumaya, Nkongolo Freddy Muamba, Mubalamata Eugène-Patrick Lukusa, Nkashama Bienvenu Kazadi, Ndombasi Nelda Lemba, Otem Christian Ndesanzim, Feruzi Michel Mangala

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background: Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, and the occurrence of this infection during pregnancy is responsible for adverse obstetrical outcomes like premature labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and low birth weight (birth weight < 2500 g). The association with a number of factors (maternal age, low level of education, low socio-economic status and multiple sexual partners, etc.) that can be found in our environment suggest its probably high prevalence amongst vaginal infections that are responsible for adverse obstetrical outcomes, but up-to-date estimates are lacking. Objective: To assess the obstetrical risk associated with Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection in our environment. Methods: We designed a protocol for a prospective cohort study which will take place in four medical facilities in the city of Kinshasa, where all pregnant women with a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks and who will give written consent will be included. Vaginal swab specimens will be collected for T. vaginalis research by direct microscopy wet mount. Follow-up will consist of recording the process of the pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes. Conclusion: Results from this study will allow to enhance management and also bring updated estimates on T. vaginalis prevalence and its obstetrical outcomes for infected pregnant woman in our environment.

Trichomonas vaginalis Infection, Obstetrical Outcomes, Kinshasa

Mbangama, M. , Lotoy, B. , Lumaya, A. , Muamba, N. , Lukusa, M. , Kazadi, N. , Lemba, N. , Ndesanzim, O. and Mangala, F. (2023) Rationale of Longitudinal Cohort Study on Obstetrical Outcomes of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 13, 1460-1468. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2023.139121.