Prevalence and factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection among men who have sex with men and female sex workers in Togo, 2017.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW) in Togo in 2017. A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted from August to October 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling method in four cities in Togo. Methods A standardized questionnaire was used to record socio-demographic data and sexual behavior patterns. T. vaginalis detection by molecular biology tests was performed using Allplex STI Essential Assay which detect also 6 others micro-organisms. A blood sample was drawn and serological test using SD Bioline Duo VIH/Syphilis rapid test was performed for HIV and syphilis testing. Results A total of 517 key populations including 310 FSW and 207 MSM with median age 24 years, interquartile range (IQR) [20–28 years] were included. The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis, HIV, Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae were 3.9%, 16.8%, 9.3%, 7.5% and 7.2% respectively. T. vaginalis prevalence among FSW was 6.5% (95%CI= [4.1–9.9]) and 0.0% (95%CI= [0.0-2.3]) among MSM. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with T. vaginalis infection. Living in Lomé (AOR = 3.19; 95%CI= [1.11–11.49]), having had sexual intercourse before the age of 18 (AOR = 5.72; 95%CI= [1.13–10.89]), and being infected with C. trachomatis (AOR = 3.74; 95%CI= [2.95–12.25]) were factors associated with T. vaginalis among FSW. Conclusion The prevalence of T. vaginalis infection using molecular test was low among MSM and FSW in Togo. Extensive studies are needed to confirm and better understand the epidemiology of T. vaginalis in these populations and in other populations in Togo.