A Comparison Between Bacterial and Trichomonas Infection Isolated from Women of Childbearing and Menopausal Age

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasitic pathogen responsible for trichomoniasis, a common STD causing vaginal microbiota changes. Overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobic bacteria, and mycoplasmas causes bacterial vaginosis, leading to vulvovaginal symptoms globally. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of vaginal microbiota changes and polymicrobial vaginosis associated with Trichomonas vaginalis and to estimate the correlation of some epidemiological factors with trichomoniasis in women of childbearing age in Kirkuk Governorate. This study was conducted in Kirkuk Governorate between November 10, 2023 and March 15, 2024. The total number of married, non-pregnant women was 100, ranging in age from 18 to 45 years. From each participant, two vaginal discharge specimens were collected: identify Trichomonas vaginalis via wet-mount microscopy and the other specimen was inoculated into various culture media to isolate aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, or Candida spp. A total of 100 examined women (10%) had a Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The highest frequency was observed in the 25–29 age group. The study a revealed a higher prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in rural areas than in urban areas. It was revealed that there was a high rate of infection with T. vaginalis among women with low education levels, whereas infection rates decreased as the education level of women increased. This study found that Gardnerella vaginalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis had the highest association with Trichomonas vaginalis infection. The highest prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was associated with younger married women, women residing in rural areas, and women with low educational attainment. Trichomoniasis affects the vaginal microbiota by reducing Lactobacilli and has a strong relationship with Gardnerella vaginalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis.